Critics, Opposition Leaders Bemoan Johnston's Decision Against Calling Public Inquiry on Election Interference

"Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Franu00e7ois Blanchet, and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh all stated their disappointment with Johnston's decision shortly after he aounced it around midday on May 23."

This is a negative sentiment.

"All federal opposition leaders and various national officials are criticizing Special Rapporteur David Johnston's decision not to call for a public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's last two general elections."

This is a negative sentiment.

""NDP Leader Singh also reacted to the aouncement on Twitter, saying he was "deeply disappointed" in Johnston's decision."

This is a negative sentiment.

"In the report, Johnston said a public inquiry can't be held since the classified information informing the matter caot be publicly revealed."

This is a negative sentiment.

"Poilievre told reporters in Quebec City that calling a public inquiry would've been "common sense" and accused the prime minister of only appointing Johnston as special rapporteur in order to "help Trudeau cover up the influence by Beijing in our democracy.""

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"nn"While preparing his report, Mr. Johnston was given complete access to all and any relevant records and documents from across government," Trudeau said."

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"Various officials also expressed disappointment with Johnston's decision, including Mehmet Tohti, executive director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project."

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"Later the same day, Trudeau defended both his appointment of Johnston as special rapporteur and the former governor general's decision not to call on the Liberal government for a public inquiry on election interference."

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""Johnston's rejection of public inquiry is stuing and absolutely, shockingly disappointing," Tohti wrote on Twitter."

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"In a Twitter post shortly after the aouncement, Bloc Leader Blanchet wrote in French that Johnston's decision shows that his "mandate was and remains to protect secrecy, the Liberal Party and [Justin Trudeau]."

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"Johnston, who was appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in March to investigate reports of foreign interference in Canada's 2019 and 2021 general elections, filed his first report on the matter on May 23."

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"Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa that Johnston's decision was informed by "thousands of pages of classified and unclassified documents" on matters of foreign interference."

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"Johnston was previously a member of the foundation, which is named after the prime minister's father."

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