By Sally Barnes
We owe David Johnston our thanks and an apology.
By accepting the job of “special rapporteur” to study foreign meddling in our elections, this elder statesman has unburdened Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of a political hot potato and is about to open a real can of worms.
At the age of 81, with a string of accomplishments and commendations, David Johnston does not have to prove anything to anyone. Most especially, after 50 years in public service, he shouldn’t have to defend his reputation or his integrity.
By his own stonewalling and obfuscation, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created a firestorm of public concern and debate over the integrity of our democratic process and he has done David Johnston no favour by turning to him for help.
Trudeau defines Johnston’s newly minted role as “special rapporteur” but it’s all about cleaning up the mess in aisle four or wherever we stock trust in our democratic institutions these days.
Thanks to media and security reports, Canadians just woke up to learn the enemy is not just at the gate but in our schools, governments, political parties, libraries, media, workplaces, labs…..maybe even our homes.
At question is the extent to which China’s Communist government has infiltrated and influenced so much of our way of life, the dangers therein to national security, and what if anything our government is doing about it. Specifically, how much does the prime minister know about Chinese interference and how long has he known? He won’t say.
In recent weeks as media stories broke and security and intelligence sources emerged with increasing frequency, authenticity, and drama, the Trudeau government went into denial—apparently believing that the public was little interested in foreign espionage while our food prices, inflation, and interest rates soar and our health care system falls apart.
Alas, research shows the public is concerned about the integrity of our elections. A majority favours a public inquiry while Trudeau remains clearly opposed and went so far as Liberals blocking his chief of staff from testifying before a parliamentary committee.
That logjam was removed only after a last-minute agreement to define and widen Johnston’s mandate and allow the chief of staff and senior officials of other political parties to testify.
It’s fair to ask what the Prime Minister has to hide.
Johnston has two months to recommend whether an inquiry should be held.
Truth to tell, Joe the local bartender or Wiarton Willie, or any of the majority of Canadians who are now concerned about this issue could have done that.
At this point, anything but a full and open inquiry would be rejected by the public.
Trudeau has vowed to accept Johnston’s advice and to fulfill his recommendations…sight unseen.
To me, that willingness shows both how much faith he places in his chosen rapporteur and how desperate he is to get this issue out of the headlines.
Foreign influence and meddling by China and other nations have been known for a long time but have remained under the radar until recently when the chop suey hit the fan and the public got a whiff of the seriousness and prevalence of the situation.
Critics of the rapporteur proposal came down hard on two issues: concerns over Johnston’s personal, long-term relationship with the prime minister’s family and the narrow focus of the mandate. All opposition parties argue that any review must cut through secrecy, cast a much wider net on foreign meddling and influence, and recommend how public confidence can be restored.
Hopefully, Johnston can emerge from this latest assignment with his stellar reputation for public service intact and consensus that he did more than kick the can down the road to buy time for the Trudeau government to get its act together.
It won’t be easy. The ink was hardly dry on his appointment and his mandate still unclear when some critics questioned his impartiality. Leading the charge are Conservatives who conveniently fail to mention that it was their government that appointed Johnston as Governor General and other major roles when they were in office.
Johnston’s sins? Hold onto your hats. Providing a delicious gotcha moment for the Tories, Justin Trudeau talked about his appointee as a “friend and neighbour.”
Well, yes, Justin Trudeau played with the Johnston kids when their parents owned family cottages in the Laurentians and I guess we should also be concerned that when David was GG and Justin was PM their official residences of Rideau Hall and Rideau Cottage respectively made them neighbours. Sophie Gregoire Trudeau may have even borrowed a cup of sugar from Sharon Johnston on occasion.
Then there is the more complicated matter of the Trudeau Foundation, the taxpayer-endowed body which funds scholars in a variety of scientific fields and is named in recognition of Justin’s father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. There are hundreds of foundations in Canada—all clamoring for money, influence, and prestige.
Grandees from the worlds of politics, business, academia, media, and others have been involved with the Trudeau Foundation over the years, including Johnston who has served on its board. Notably, its funding comes from many sources, has increased since Justin was elected PM, and there are reports that in the wake of controversy the foundation has returned donations traced back to China.
That’s all enough to throw Tories into a tailspin and to label Johnston a Trudeau lackey. Only in Canada, you say. Pity.
Some critics argue that an inquiry should include all foreign interference and not just that of the Chinese government. Furthermore, it should extend to university research, exploitation of resources, military secrets, and the use of threats to our citizens of Chinese origin who speak out against Beijing or fail to support and promote its political goals at home and abroad.
Liberals are considered more friendly to China than Conservatives and the Liberal Party and candidates benefit accordingly. As is his wont, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been especially outspoken and is accused of character assassination in his criticism of Trudeau’s choice of Johnston.
There is no question that the issue is providing some Grade A red meat for the rightwing Conservative base that thrives on anger and division and a get-tough approach to most issues. Those who will suffer the most are vulnerable communities like immigrants and especially those of Chinese origin.
Meanwhile, David Johnston will do his best for the country— as he always has.
In the ongoing public debate, responsible leaders will stress that our quarrel is not with the Chinese people but with the parasitic, racist, and vengeful Communist government of China that has no respect for human rights at home or abroad.
It’s challenging times like these when our Prime Minister has a knack for staring right into the camera, recognizing a problem, and declaring in his most solemn and dramatic fashion: “This is not who we are.”
And it’s times like these when I fear that maybe this is what we could become.
Sally Barnes has enjoyed a distinguished career as a writer, journalist and author. Her work has been recognized in a number of ways, including receiving a Southam Fellowship in Journalism at Massey College at the University of Toronto. A self-confessed political junkie, she has worked in the back-rooms for several Ontario premiers. In addition to a number of other community contributions, Sally Barnes served a term as president of the Ontario Council on the Status of Women. She is a former business colleague of Doppler’s publisher, Hugh Mackenzie, and lives in Kingston, Ontario. You can find her online at sallybarnesauthor.com.
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Apparently Sally Barnes sees and speaks for all of Canada, including local bartenders (and even Wiarton Willie) with estimable clairvoyance: “Thanks to media and security reports, Canadians just woke up to learn the enemy is not just at the gate but in our schools, governments, political parties, libraries, media, workplaces, labs…..maybe even our homes.”
It’s the familiar scourge of everything, everywhere, all at once…yet again.
And of course she has no doubt about where the fault for all of that lies: “…the Trudeau government went into denial—apparently believing that the public was little interested in foreign espionage while our food prices, inflation, and interest rates soar and our health care system falls apart.”
Initially, in response I wanted to quote Montaigne, the French philosopher: “Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.”
I also thought I might mention that if, as winter yields to spring, and if March happens go out like a lion, in the minds of many it will undoubtedly be due to some failing on the part of the Prime Minister and those cunning but dastardly Liberals. While I’m uncertain if the sky is falling, surely whenever that happens it too will be a result of his lousy leadership, some lamentable lapse …he’s still just not ready, eh?
And now, especially when it comes to espionage and malicious foreign actors (Chinese or otherwise) where inevitably there are always more questions than answers…but never a shortage of mere opinions and axe-grinding comments such as this from Sally Barnes: “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created a firestorm of public concern and debate over the integrity of our democratic
process…”
Initially I thought I would politely suggest: Turn off the headline news…ignore all speculation and conjecture. Shut down your Twitter/Facebook/Instagram/TikTok etc etc
Resist the urge to gossip or point fingers. Just be calm, and carry on! Go for a stroll instead. Watch the snow melt, look for the first glimpse of blossoming flowers, listen for the arrival of summer birds. Take a deep breath, and stare into the ancient wonders of a night sky. Hug your children or your “significant other”, etc. Hug a tree! In short, just take a few deep breaths and let the universe unfold, at least for a little while.
I thought I’d point out that fact finding is extremely difficult in the best of circumstances and that getting to geopolitical truth even more so. It’s so much easier to simply form hasty opinions, cling to simple solutions, and rush to judgment.
Foreign interference?Everywhere!
Trudeau? Suspect!
Public inquiry? Good!
The Special Rapporteur, as noted is an “elder statesman” with “stellar reputation”
but also an honourable and esteemed citizen with many friends in places high and low, including barbers and bartenders surely. He now has significant and consequential work to do. When done, however long or short it may be, then and only then will it be fair and reasonable to assess its adequacy, to consider its conclusions and where warranted, determine next steps.
Initially I had wanted to say all that, but then another thought from Montaigne came to me: “…we do nothing but comment upon one another. Every place swarms with commentaries…”
And so, instead I’ll simply echo Hugh Holland’s more important cautionary note (which ought to be inscribed in every local bar and barbershop!):
“ …We amateur observers would be wise to let the investigation play out before jumping to conclusions, one way or the other. Lets not put any more reputations or lives at risk, before we know more than we do now.”
I find this comment by Sally Barnes akin to, (or in addition to) Hugh Mackenzie’s previous “Shame” offering.
Both are pretty well reasoned and informative.
It is particularly interesting to compare the comments offered by Sally Barnes and Ruby Truax, two well informed opinions, I feel. One professing accolades and the other suggesting reservation, toward the choice of Mr. Johnson as moderating our “China Syndrome.” They offer us insight into the man and his accomplishments, without forming our opinion for us. There’s a freedom for us people! Freedom of choice.
I am however, amazed at how some ordinary citizens can state ‘unequivocally’ how it all went down behind the scenes.
There are a few such comments, but of note is the “other members who benefitted from Chinese Interference” offering by Peter Zychowski.
There have been a couple (more?) of names mentioned in the media, one Lib. and one Con., but by “other members”; is this an inference there are some or many more, and he knows who they are! CSIS will be only too happy to leak that bit of information for him if he can’t do it himself.
And the assumption of knowledge, or the comment “I just know” isn’t acceptable.
It would make the legal process much simpler.
For instance:
“Your Honor. We know that person is guilty.” Outrage.
“And for proof?” Legal interference.
“None! We just know.” Indignation.
“Well then. Guilty. Guilty! And the bailiff may fire when ready.”
Lots less time wasted.
We all have opinions, but what a lot of us now seem to lack, is flexibility. Attitudes are set. Ideas are fixed, and correct, leaving no room for discussion. Who on earth (or not on earth) could possible adjudicate between these fixed poles. And when the talking is done, will anything have been accomplished?
And if what is achieved should actually be correct, how can we ever know?
“We have the video. We have the audio. I guess we will never know.” Trevor Noah.
Keep the faith all!
The hypocrisy and flagrant partisanship that’s on display from Mr. Holland and Ms. Kear in their attempts at rationalizing inexcusable behaviour from the PM is disappointing to say the least.
If the situation was reversed and a conservative politician was engaged in a sweeping effort to suppress information, cover-up, obfuscate and mislead, the outrage on this forum from said individuals would be deafening.
It’s shocking to me that individuals on this forum are content to shrug their shoulders and doing nothing but cast doubt at these allegations.
Yes. Ms. Truax did a good job looking at the wikipedia bio on Mr. J. But did she understand that the government of Canada, back in the 1980’s, was working with the Chinese in many areas. Someone had to learn about the culture and people there to help us understand their needs and how we might mesh our countries together. It’s called global economy and trade partners.
Can I still buy cheap Chinese LED lights to dress up my truck and tractor so I can work at night??
I already feel guilty doing this but nobody else seems to make them.
Just to add a little “cheek” to affirm Hugh Holland’s comment, I quote the immortal words from Legally Blonde; “I recommend knowing before speaking”. I do credit Ruby T with knowing more than most.
This recent article from
Globe and Mail dated August 1971
Canada has been well aware of Chinese interference for a long time.
This articles date and content are a real eye opener. Over 50 years ago this incident took place if the article in the Globe and Mail is correct. Well if south of the border and Toronto are any indication sex and money always corrupts people in power.
How else could you get so many elected officials to conveniently turning a blind eye to everything for so long. And it has taken a CSIS member to blow the lid of this mass manipulation by the communist regime. This shows how easily people can be compromised especially when your adversary is always four steps ahead of you. This truly is a total disregard for the security of our nation? I’m not a legal expert but this type of activity is treasonous and the consequences of these actions will not be easy to address. Why would they allow a foreign power to gain influence in all aspects of our society knowing that this threat has always been there?
They outsourced all our manufacturing jobs to China with highly unbalanced trade agreements.
Why do you think Canada is a prime target for Chinese influence? Maybe because it is a resource rich country that is run by mediocre management teams that are easily influenced. Sounds like a golden opportunity for mass exploitation.
How many changes of government have we had federally over this time span? I’m embarrassed for all of us. Canada is becoming the laughing stock of the world. Is it any wonder.
Yes, Ms. Barnes, the issue at hand is important. However, I concur with Mr. Hollands.
David Johnson is also friends with Stephen Harper who appointed him in the role of Governor General of Canada. Does that mean I would not trust his appointment to any role Stephen Harper assigned him?
Clearly the man in question has merit, let him do his job.
Joanne, thank you for your clarification of “chop suey”. My great goodness, what we don’t know when we bandy words.
Who says spy agencies always get it right? In her Toronto Star article of March 25, astute political commentator Chantal Hebert gives examples of when both Canadian and US Intelligence agencies in fact got it wrong. “Prime Ministers are not infallible, but neither are the security services of even the most sophisticated democracies”. We amateur observers would be wise to let the investigation play out before jumping to conclusions, one way or the other. Lets not put any more reputations or lives at risk, before we know more than we do now.
There’s one other consideration that you failed to mention, Ms. Barnes, and that is Mr. Johnston’s personal and professional ties with China, which go back to the 80s when he worked to set up the Canada-Chinese universities exchange program and established the Sino-Canada University and a branch of the Confucious Institute. Three of Mr. Johnston’s daughters attended university in China, and Mr. Johnston himself was awarded an honorary doctorate by Nanjing University in 2012. During a speech the following year to the Canada-Chinese Business Council, Mr. Johnston said it would be wonderful if all Canadians learned to speak Chinese. Mr. Johnston is so well known in Chinese establishment circles that they’ve given him the nickname “Jiangshan”.
Then consider the members of David Johnston’s Rideau Hall Foundation. The foundation director, Paul Desmarais founded the Canada-China Business Council. Dominic Baron served as an adviser to several China-owned enterprises. John Manley continued to promote buying and installing HUWAiE 5G while our allies banned it. Beverly McLauchlin is on Hong Kong’s highest court. John Montalbano manages China’s natural resources acquisitions through China’s National Council for Social Security Fund.
We hear again and again that David Johnston was appointed Governor General by Stephen Harper, so that must make him impartial and trustworthy. We are assured that Mr. Johnston’s close personal ties to the Trudeau family are a non-issue because of Mr. Johnston’s personal integrity.
Okay, but what about David Johnston’s longtime and continuing close personal and professional ties to China? Why aren’t we talking more about that?
Can Mr. Johnston really be impartial when it comes to his old friend Justin Trudeau and his current good friends in China?
I meant to add that any covert foreign interference is undesirable.Interesting use of ” chop suey” which is a creation for the North American market, not an authentic Chinese dish. How appropriate with layers of meaning.
I hope that there will be appropriate updated protections to our democratic elections and policy making processes as a result of recent revelations