Foreign interference commissioner seeks to reassure diaspora groups anxious about inquiry

The commissioner leading the public inquiry into foreign interference said Thursday the inquiry has taken steps to protect members of diaspora groups who say they fear for their safety if they participate.

«Some members of diaspora communities have told us that they fear reprisals if they provide information to the commission,» Justice Marie-Josée Hogue said in a media statement.

The Canadian Friends of Hong Kong (CFHK) announced earlier this week it would be boycotting the commission. And last month, the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project withdrew from the inquiry's proceedings entirely.

«We have grave concerns regarding the objectivity and the security integrity of the Foreign Interference Commission Inquiry, primarily due to standing being granted to individuals suspected to have strong ties to Chinese Consulates and their proxies,» the CFHK wrote in a statement posted to its Facebook page.

The organization cited the participation of Independent MP Han Dong, who quit the Liberal caucus after a story by Global News last year alleged he had told a senior Chinese diplomat that Beijing should not free Canadian prisoners Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. Dong has denied the allegation and is pursuing Global legally.

The CFHKalso named Sen. Yuen Pau Woo and former Ontario Liberal MPP Michael Chan, who also deny allegations of ties to China.

The commission granted Dong and Chan full party standing, and Woo intervenor status.

«By granting standing to individuals with alleged ties to the Chinese embassy, we are potentially offering incredible insight to our adversaries, enabling them to design and execute more effective interference operations,» the CFHK said.

CFHK's complaints followed two official requests from a coalition