Chinese Canadians tell inquiry of chilling effects of foreign interference publicity

By Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press on October 2, 2024.

Lawyers enter the hearing room as the Public Inquiry into Foreign Election Interference resumes in Ottawa, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. A federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference expects to hear today from more than a dozen diaspora community members. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA – A former Alberta politician says publicity about foreign interference is discouraging Chinese Canadians from seeking elected office or even making donations to candidates.

Teresa Woo-Paw, who sat in the Alberta legislature from 2008 to 2015, told a public inquiry today that members of the Chinese community are putting aside thoughts of running in elections because they don’t want their loyalty publicly questioned.

Woo-Paw, chair of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation since 2018, says these fears will have a generational impact with fewer Chinese Canadians elected to public office.

She says some also worry they will be accused of trying to interfere in an election if they donate to a nominee’s campaign.

Woo-Paw was among members of the Chinese community who told the inquiry of unintended chilling effects from the current public controversy over foreign interference.

The inquiry proceedings today feature a series of panels touching on issues including racism, public awareness, civil liberties and disinformation.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 1, 2024.