Ontario MPP Vincent Ke says he is resigning from the governing Progressive Conservative caucus after allegations that he is part of China’s election interference network in Canada, which he denies.
A March 10 report by Global News citing intelligence reports and unnamed sources says that Ke served as a “financial intermediary” in China’s interference networks in Canada.
“While the Global News allegations about me are false and defamatory, I do not want to be a distraction to the government and take away from the good work Premier [Doug] Ford is doing for the province of Ontario,” Ke said in a March 10 statement.
“Therefore, I will be stepping away from the PC Caucus in order to dedicate my time to clearing my name and representing my constituents.”
The Global News report says that according to its sources, Ke received around $50,000 from the Chinese Consulate in Toronto, as part of a $250,000 fund allocated for Beijing’s interference network. The funds were allegedly channeled via a series of intermediaries.
The article cites a Privy Council Office (PCO) report which says that the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) network in the Toronto area includes at least 11 candidates in the 2019 federal election, at least 13 aides, and an Ontario MPP.
The document reportedly doesn’t mention Ke by name, but Global News says that its sources who have knowledge of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s (CSIS) investigation into CCP’s interference say that Ke was a recipient of a portion of the funds meant for the network.
The article says another PCO document that was provided to the PMO four months after the 2019 election made similar points.
A spokesperson with the PCO told The Epoch Times that the office couldn’t immediately comment on the leaked intelligence reports.
Ke has denied the allegations.
“These allegations are false and defamatory. I am reviewing all options in order to clear my name and protect my reputation,” he said in a statement provided to The Epoch Times.
Ford’s office said in a March 10 statement that Ke offered to leave the PC caucus “out of an abundance of caution,” which was agreed to and accepted by Ford.
“While the allegations against Mr. Ke are not proven, they are serious and deserve his full and undivided attention as he works to clear his name,” Ford’s office said.
The development follows recent media reports citing leaked intelligence documents about China’s vast operations to interfere in Canadian elections.
Global News reported on Nov. 7, 2022, that Trudeau was briefed in January 2022 on Beijing’s election interference network in Canada, and that the CCP funded at least 11 federal candidates in the 2019 election. Trudeau has denied that he was briefed about 2019 federal candidates receiving CCP funding.
Another Global News report published on Feb. 24 says that Liberal MP Han Dong was one of the federal candidates in the 2019 election who were supported by Beijing, adding that CSIS believes Dong is a “witting affiliate” of CCP’s election interference network. Dong has denied the allegations, saying he will defend himself “vigorously against such inaccurate and irresponsible claims.”
Trudeau has stood by Dong, responding to requests for comment on the issue by raising points related to racism.
A Feb. 17 report by the Globe and Mail based on CSIS leaks and sources said that Chinese officials had expressed that their desired outcome for the 2021 election was a minority Liberal government. This was reportedly because they deemed the Liberals as most favourable to Beijing’s interests, but didn’t want them to form a majority government so that their powers could be kept in check. The report adds that a Chinese diplomat reportedly boasted that she helped defeat two Conservative MPs in that year’s election.
In response to the allegations, the Liberal government has said it will appoint a special rapporteur to look into foreign interference in Canadian elections. It has also tasked the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, a parliamentary committee that reports to the prime minister, as well as the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency to review the issue.
Opposition parties have united in asking the government to launch an independent inquiry into election interference. Liberals have rejected that request.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.