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A recent report by the Canadian government-funded CBC News has raised serious allegations of foreign interference in the 2022 Conservative Party leadership race, claiming that Indian agents sought to derail the candidacy of Patrick Brown. The story, citing unnamed sources, suggested that representatives from the Indian consulate in Canada exerted pressure on key figures in Brown’s campaign to withdraw support, specifically targeting Michelle Rempel Garner, a co-chair of his campaign. According to the report, Rempel Garner was urged to step down in June 2022, a request she allegedly complied with.
The CBC report claims that the Indian government was unhappy with Brown's stance on issues related to the Indian diaspora, particularly his stance on Sikh separatism, and that this led to efforts to undermine his leadership bid. However, the allegations have been swiftly rejected by the individuals directly involved in the campaign.
Michelle Rempel Garner, who later became a prominent supporter of Pierre Poilievre in the race, categorically denied any external pressure or coercion. In a written statement to CBC News, she clarified, “I left Mr. Brown’s campaign completely of my own volition. In no instance was I coerced in any manner.”
Patrick Brown, the Mayor of Brampton, who was never considered a serious contender in the leadership race, also dismissed the accusations. Despite significant media attention, Brown was eliminated in the first round of voting, with Poilievre securing nearly 70% of the votes. His elimination further cemented Poilievre’s dominance in the contest.
The CBC report has sparked political debate across Canada, raising concerns about foreign influence on national politics. While the report cited unnamed sources within the Conservative Party, no concrete evidence was provided to substantiate the claims of interference by the Indian government.
The Conservative Party leadership race was marked by heated competition and intense campaigning, with Poilievre emerging as a clear frontrunner. He went on to win the leadership contest decisively, and is now the leader of the Opposition in Canada’s House of Commons.
As the controversy continues to unfold, the Canadian government and the Indian embassy have yet to officially comment on the allegations, which remain a point of contention in discussions on foreign influence in Canadian elections.
