Conservative MP Michael Chong granted standing in inquiry on foreign interference

OTTAWA -

Conservative MP Michael Chong has been granted full standing to participate in the public inquiry into foreign inference in recent Canadian elections.

Marie-Josee Hogue, who heads the commission of inquiry, says that's because Chong says he was the subject of several disinformation campaigns and other forms of interference conducted by or on behalf of China.

Her decision says there are also allegations that the federal government failed to let Chong know he was a target of foreign interference, and that this was a failure by the government.

• Capital Dispatch: Sign up for in-depth political coverage of Parliament Hill

Hogue isn't commenting on that criticism, but says this means Chong has a personal and direct interest in the inquiry's conclusions, along with politicians Han Dong and Michael Chan, who were granted status earlier this month.

Chong's status in the inquiry is more substantial and separate from that of the federal Conservative party, which was granted intervener status earlier this month alongside the NDP.

The commission will look at attempted meddling by China, Russia and other foreign states, as well as non-state actors, and begin holding public hearings in January.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 14, 2023.