LeBlanc accuses Tories of theatrics as they push for names of MPs in foreign meddling report

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc accused Conservative MPs of theatrics on Thursday as they pressed the government to release the names of MPs allegedly engaged in foreign interference.

An intelligence watchdog said in a public report this week that some MPs wittingly assisted the efforts of foreign states to meddle in Canadian politics.

The blunt report has prompted concern that members engaged in interference might still be active in politics, and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called on Wednesday for the Liberal government to disclose their names.

Conservative members of the House of Commons public safety and national security committee challenged LeBlanc on Thursday on the government's refusal to reveal their identities.

LeBlanc told the committee that intelligence reports can contain unverified intelligence that does not provide a complete picture.

He said it is up to the RCMP to investigate and lay charges if warranted, as that's how things work in a rule-of-law democracy.