MPs targeted by Chinese hackers question why Canada didn't tell them
Members of Parliament are questioning why Canadian security officials did not inform them that they had been the target of Beijing-linked hackers, after learning from the FBI that the international parliamentary alliance they are a part of was in the crosshairs of the Chinese cyberattack in 2021.
On Monday, Conservative MP Garnett Genuis kicked off the House of Commons sitting by raising a question of privilege, sounding alarm over what he considered an "unacceptable" failure on the part of the Canadian government to inform parliamentarians that a foreign government had targeted them.
Genuis said that last week, as first reported by the Globe and Mail, he and fellow Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) Canadian co-chair Liberal MP John McKay were informed "about a cyberattack launched against us, and 16 other Canadian parliamentarians, in 2021."
IPAC is an international cross-party group of legislators "working towards reform on how democratic countries approach China." It comprises politicians from a range of political parties, and has become, as Genuis put it, "a unique target" of the Chinese Communist Party.
According to Genuis, IPAC learned about the "co-ordinated attack" on the email accounts of IPAC-affiliated legislators through an unsealed U.S. Department of Justice indictment in March.
The indictment said that the People's Republic of China's state-backed hacking group, nicknamed "Advanced Persistent Threat 31" or "APT31," had "sent malicious tracking-link emails to government officials across the world who expressed criticism of the PRC (People's Republic of China) government."
Based on follow-up done by IPAC, Genuis said, they were told that U.S. intelligence officials with the FBI were prevented from informing legislators from other countries of the targeting, but had issued foreign dissemination requests to every government with impacted political figures in 2022.
"It would have been particularly important for us to be informed, because of the progressive nature of the attack. We could have worked with the appropriate authorities to take steps to protect ourselves and ensure the security and functioning of our parliamentary and personal email accounts," Genuis said. "But we were not able to, because we were not informed."
While not all of the Canadian parliamentarians who were targeted have agreed to be named, Genuis said that among the other fellow IPAC members impacted were Conservative MPs James Bezan, Stephanie Kusie and Tom Kmiec, Liberal MP Judy Sgro and Non-affiliated Sen. Marilou McPhedran.
Thanking her colleague for raising the "very important issue," Sgro rose after Genuis to say she agreed that not being notified was a "very serious breach" of MPs' privileges.
Expressing dismay that Canada continues "to be so naïve," Sgro said that as the voices of Canadians when talking about China, or other countries, parliamentarians "have to be able to speak with the protection that's required and not have to be concerned about being intimidated, or hacked."
"I would expect that our government would ensure that we have the necessary information to protect ourselves and to make sure that our systems are protected," Sgro said. "I think it's very important that we get some answers here as to why we were not notified, and what's happening next, and how do we better protect ourselves in the future."
Speaking to reporters on his way in to West Block later on Monday, McKay said he doesn't know how he should feel, or whether this shows the government hasn't learned its lesson, as he still doesn't have enough information about the situation.
"I just don't know the nature of the threat, I've had it explained to me," he said. "It's kind of a bizarre situation to be in."
What McKay said he does know is that as a public official he should have been informed.
"I run probably 150, 200 emails a day. The people who communicate with me should have, if you will, the security of knowing that those emails are as safe as they can be." He said he's reached out to members of the government to try to get some answers.
"The government takes foreign interference very seriously," said Kevin Lamoureux, parliamentary secretary to the government House leader, briefly during debate. He said that it was the first he was hearing of this situation, while the federal New Democrats signalled they plan to speak more to the issue at a later date.
Genuis is calling for the matter to be referred to a House committee for further study. He told reporters that as of Monday afternoon he hadn't received any substantive information from the government about why MPs were not informed.
House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus – tasked with making the ruling on whether this matter infringed MPs' rights and protections and what the next steps should be – has committed to getting back to MPs "forthwith" on whether this situation constitutes a breach.
This is not the first example of Canadian parliamentarians belatedly learning that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government failed to notify them about being targeted by China, a country that has been at the centre of an ongoing national inquiry into foreign interference in past federal elections.
In a statement, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) would not say if or when it was made aware of this targeting, nor did the intelligence service comment on whether or not there is an investigation into the matter.
"There are important limits to what I can publicly discuss given the need to protect sensitive activities, techniques, methods, and sources of intelligence," CSIS spokesperson Eric Balsam said in an email.
Balsam noted that CSIS has been warning Canadians that the PRC and other state-sponsored actors are targeting elected officials at all levels of government and are committed to providing briefings to help equip these individuals to identify foreign interference.
"The cyber security of all Canadians including Parliamentarians is a priority of the Government of Canada. CSIS and others, including the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security provide advice (to) all Canadians, including Parliamentarians on threats to their safety and security, including cyber threats."
In a separate response, Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc's office stated broadly that "democracies around the world are grappling with the threat of foreign interference from state actors such as China."
"We established the foreign interference commission to examine this threat and formulate recommendations to the Government on how to further strengthen its defences. In the meantime, we are taking action, as we have done for the last number of years, to protect our democracy and our democratic institutions," said LeBlanc spokesperson Jean-Sébastien Comeau.
"And that is exactly what we will continue to do, in concert with our allies."
IN DEPTH
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
'Democracy requires constant vigilance' Trudeau testifies at inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified Wednesday before the national public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's electoral processes, following a day of testimony from top cabinet ministers about allegations of meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Recap all the prime minister had to say.
As Poilievre sides with Smith on trans restrictions, former Conservative candidate says he's 'playing with fire'
Siding with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith on her proposed restrictions on transgender youth, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre confirmed Wednesday that he is against trans and non-binary minors using puberty blockers.
Supports for passengers, farmers, artists: 7 bills from MPs and Senators to watch in 2024
When parliamentarians return to Ottawa in a few weeks to kick off the 2024 sitting, there are a few bills from MPs and senators that will be worth keeping an eye on, from a 'gutted' proposal to offer a carbon tax break to farmers, to an initiative aimed at improving Canada's DNA data bank.
Opinion
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
opinion Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike
When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
After more than 100 years, Newfoundland's unknown soldier returns home
An unknown Newfoundland soldier, who fought and died on the battlefields in northeastern France during the First World War, is back home this weekend for the first time in more than a hundred years.
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
This type of screen time has the worst effect on kids: experts
According to some experts, there is one type of screen time that is continuously excessive, and it's having a severe effect on our children.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Trump confronts repeated boos during raucous Libertarian convention speech
Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing Saturday night’s Libertarian Party National Convention.
Indianapolis 500 delayed as strong storm forces fans to evacuate Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed as a strong storm pushed through the area Sunday, forcing Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials to evacuate about 125,000 fans who had already arrived for "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing."
Some birds may use 'mental time travel,' study finds
Real quick — what did you have for lunch yesterday? Were you with anyone? Where were you? Can you picture the scene? The ability to remember things that happened to you in the past, especially to go back and recall little incidental details, is a hallmark of what psychologists call episodic memory — and new research indicates that it’s an ability humans may share with birds called Eurasian jays.
Local Spotlight
Pomp, circumstance, and Crocs: Barrie, Ont. couple's unforgettable day at Buckingham Palace
When one is extended an invitation to the Royal Garden Party in London, England, there's undoubtedly no shortage of pomp and circumstance. Barrie, Ont. natives Megan Kirk Chang and her husband Brandon experienced just that as they entered the prestigious event hosted at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday.
Tim Meadows pledges not to shave until the Oilers win the cup, who are the team's other famous fans?
An unlikely celebrity emerged from social media to cheer on the Edmonton Oilers as they face the Dallas Stars tonight in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals.
'Near and dear to all filmmakers': Return of Regina's discount theatre bodes well for fans, movie makers alike
The proprietors of Regina's sole discount theatre are aware they're carrying on a significant legacy.
'Best experience ever': B.C. baker on making it to the finals of Netflix's 'Is it Cake?'
When Jujhar Mann said he wanted to be a pastry chef on a grade school career project, he didn't imagine that pursuing his dream would land him on a popular Netflix baking competition.
Winnipeg flair on the menu at neighbourhood Houston restaurant
A city known for its history, ties to outer space and southern barbecue, is also home to a Winnipeg chef dishing out dozens of perogies.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
Beyond books: Halifax libraries lends instruments, sports equipment, memory kits and more
Public libraries in Atlantic Canada are now lending a broader range of items.
'A special bird': The unbreakable bond between purple martins and humans
Flashes of purple darting across the sky mixed with the serenading sound of songs will be noticed more with spring in full force in Manitoba.
7-year-old Pokémon prodigy heading to Hawaii for world championship tournament
Catching 'em all with impressive speed, a 7-year-old boy from Windsor, Ont. who only started his competitive Pokémon journey seven months ago has already levelled up to compete at a world championship level.