Further intel on interference rapporteur Johnston's mandate made public, including per diem
Additional intel on what foreign interference special rapporteur David Johnston will be empowered to dig into and access in terms of secret documents has been made public, as has his per diem for what's being described as a "part-time" role.
In a pair of issued this week, the federal government has offered additional details about what Johnston is being mandated to investigate, and to what degree he’ll be able to access secret cabinet documents.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had already announced that the former governor general would have to present an initial report by May 23 advising on whether a public inquiry or other "mechanisms or transparent processes" are necessary.
Then, up until Oct. 31, he is to release reports "on a rolling basis" on issues related to shoring up Canada's democracy, as they arise.
Here is everything we now know about what Johnston is being asked to look into, and how much he's set to be paid.
WHAT WILL JOHNSTON TRY TO DETERMINE?
As the independent rapporteur on the matter, Johnston is being asked to:
- Assess the "extent and impact of foreign interference" in Canada’s electoral processes, including examining government information about, and actions in response to, the threat of interference historically, as well as specifically in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections;
- Build on the work being undertaken by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) to raise any "outstanding issues… that need to be addressed";
- And, "identify innovative approaches and improvements in the way public agencies work together to combat foreign interference in our electoral processes" including "changes in the institutional design and co-ordination of government resources used to defend against or otherwise deal with that interference."
Through this work, Johnston is to determine:
- What findings and recommendations to address electoral interference were made by CSIS, the Privy Council Office (PCO) and other relevant agencies or officials;
- What was communicated about foreign interference in electoral processes to Trudeau and his office, as well as other cabinet ministers and their offices;
- What recommendations were made by agencies and officials to address foreign interference in electoral processes; and
- What steps were taken by the prime minister and his office, cabinet ministers, and or federal departments and agencies "to defend against or otherwise deal with foreign interference in electoral processes."
PART-TIME? AND WHAT COSTS WILL BE COVERED?
According to , Johnston is being employed "on a part-time basis" between March 15 and December 12.
It states that his per diem pay is "within the range" of $1,400 to $1,600.
In line with federal policy, Johnston will also be able to expense:
- Travel and living expenses within Canada if he hits the road as part of his work;
- The cost of expert staff as required; and
- Any "other reasonable expenses as necessary" to complete his assignment.
WHAT, AND WHO WILL HE HAVE ACCESS TO?
As the Prime Minister's Office has already confirmed, Johnston will be given access to "national security intelligence resources, including classified or unclassified records, documents and personnel."
This scope of access is expanded on in the new documents, indicating that Johnston can:
- Review any relevant records including documents protected by cabinet confidence;
- Work with any recognized political party in the House of Commons to learn how information flowed and what actions were taken;
- Speak to the Commissioner of Canada Elections and the Chairs of national security oversight bodies NSICOP and NSIRA about their work;
- Engage with the PCO, the Prime Minister's Office, CSIS, the RCMP, the Communications Security Establishment and members of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Election Task Force (SITE) or the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol panel (CEIPP) to understand past recommendations and steps taken;
- Receive written submissions from interested persons.
FEDS SAY REPORTS WILL BE PUBLIC AND GET A RESPONSE
Tapping Johnston to provide the prime minister "independent advice" and make "expert recommendations" was done as part of a suite of federal measures trying to assuage Canadians' concerns about China's interference in the last two federal elections.
In the preamble to outlining Johnston's access to resources and mandate, the Order in Council states that the federal government "recognizes the cardinal importance of enhancing Canadians’ trust and confidence in their democracy by ensuring the integrity of Canada’s electoral processes and democratic institutions."
The preamble also notes there "is a desire to respond to the evolving threat posed by foreign interference through a strengthened approach."
The government is committing to sharing any and all reports Johnston produces with the leader of every recognized party in the House of Commons, and with Canadians "in a timely manner" and will "respond publicly to any recommendations made in those reports within a reasonable time."
Amid the flurry of partisan fury over his appointment, Johnston issued a statement last month saying he was "privileged to accept the appointment."
"Any attempts at undermining our democracy are serious matters and it is essential that we take action to protect our institutions and uphold Canadians’ confidence in our democracy," Johnston said.
With files from CTV National News Senior Political Correspondent Glen McGregor
IN DEPTH
Jagmeet Singh pulls NDP out of deal with Trudeau Liberals, takes aim at Poilievre Conservatives
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party out of the supply-and-confidence agreement that had been helping keep Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's minority Liberals in power.
'Not the result we wanted': Trudeau responds after surprise Conservative byelection win in Liberal stronghold
Conservative candidate Don Stewart winning the closely-watched Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection, and delivering a stunning upset to Justin Trudeau's candidate Leslie Church in the long-time Liberal riding, has sent political shockwaves through both parties.
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
Opinion
opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster
A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?
opinion Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike
When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP needs to decide whether 4 million Canadians deserve dental care: minister
Procurement Minister and newly appointed Quebec lieutenant Jean-Yves Duclos is warning the NDP that the dental care program it helped put into place will be in jeopardy if it pulls its support from the governing Liberals.
2 suspended from U.S. college swim team after report of slur scratched onto student's body
At least two students at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania have been suspended from the swim team after a report that a racial slur was scratched onto a student's body, officials said.
A Nova Scotian YouTuber has launched a mini-truck bookmobile.
Infectious disease physician Dr. Isaac Bogoch says whooping cough is most risky for unvaccinated infants, children and older people.
What is the U.S. Electoral College? America's path to the presidency, explained
In less than two months, Americans will go to the polls to choose their next president. But the process that translates those millions of votes into one seat in the Oval Office is much more complicated than a straight tally.
Trump's goal of mass deportations fell short. But he has new plans for a second term
Donald Trump has long pledged to deport millions of people, but he's bringing more specifics to his current bid for the White House: invoking wartime powers, relying on like-minded governors and using the military.
Kate, the Princess of Wales, makes first public appearance after cancer treatment
Kate, the Princess of Wales, made her first public appearance Sunday since she announced she had completed chemotherapy and would return to some public duties.
Heavy metal exposure could increase cardiovascular disease risk, study finds
A new study is adding to emerging research showing that exposure to metals such as cadmium, uranium and copper may also be associated with the leading cause of death worldwide, cardiovascular disease.
Sunken superyacht believed to contain watertight safes with sensitive intelligence data
Specialist divers surveying the wreckage of the US$40 million superyacht that sank off Sicily in August, killing seven people including British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, have asked for heightened security to guard the vessel, over concerns that sensitive data locked in its safes may interest foreign governments, multiple sources told CNN.
Local Spotlight
Cole Haas is more than just an avid fan of the F.W. Johnson Wildcats football team. He's a fixture on the sidelines, a source of encouragement, and a beloved member of the team.
Getting a photograph of a rainbow? Common. Getting a photo of a lightning strike? Rare. Getting a photo of both at the same time? Extremely rare, but it happened to a Manitoba photographer this week.
An anonymous business owner paid off the mortgage for a New Brunswick not-for-profit.
They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.
A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.
Paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum have uncovered "a trove of extraordinary fossils" high in the mountains of northern B.C., the museum announced Thursday.
The search for a missing ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey ended with a tragic discovery Wednesday.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating an important milestone in the organization's history: 50 years since the first women joined the force.
It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.