Pierre Poilievre Refuses Security Clearance for Foreign Interference Report

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has declined to apply for a security clearance from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) in order to read a report on foreign interference, rejecting the requirement.

Poilievre argued that the security clearance requirements would prevent him from speaking freely on the issue and limit his ability to hold the Liberal government accountable.

He further stated that the spy agency is welcome to report directly to any of his MPs or senators if it believes foreign interference poses a risk to any of his party members.

It is worth noting that Marie-Josée Hogue, the head of the commission investigating foreign interference in Canada’s last election, released her final report on Tuesday.

Hogue stated there was no evidence of a traitor in Parliament conspiring with hostile countries against Canada’s interests. However, in her recommendations to combat foreign interference, Hogue urged party leaders to seek security clearances for top-secret briefings as soon as possible.