The majority of members of the House of Commons voted on Thursday in favor of a proposal from the New Democratic Party (left-leaning) calling for an independent and public investigation into allegations of foreign interference in Canadian politics.

The proposal was supported by 172 MPs, mainly belonging to the New Democratic Party, the Canadian Conservative Party which forms the official opposition, and the Bloc Québécois, while 149 MPs from the governing Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau voted against it.

The proposal is non-binding and calls on the government to "launch a public and national inquiry into allegations of foreign interference in the Canadian democratic system, including, but not limited to, allegations of interference in general elections by foreign governments."

The New Democratic Party submitted the proposal following the withdrawal of MP Han Dong from the Liberal caucus after a news network reported that he proposed in February 2021 to Chinese authorities to delay the release of the two detained Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor so as not to benefit the Conservative Party in the federal general elections scheduled for later that year.

Han Dong, who supported the proposal, denied the allegations against him and affirmed his desire to prove his innocence. He explained in the House of Commons on Wednesday that by resigning, he wanted to spare government activities harm. Dong represents one of the Toronto area ridings.

For weeks, opposition party members have been collectively calling for an independent and public investigation into allegations of Chinese interference in Canadian politics, allegations initially reported by the "Global News" news network.

On its part, the senior leadership of the Liberal Party, targeted by all parties, affirms that it was never informed of the foreign interference allegations which have been accumulating since the fall of 2022.

However, the "Global News" network reported earlier this month about two reports, one dating back to 2019 and the other to 2022, revealing that federal MPs might have received payments from representatives of the Chinese government.

Also, Trudeau's appointment of former Governor General of Canada David Johnston as an independent special rapporteur on the file of foreign interference allegations sparked criticism from the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois.

Both Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet condemned the close relationship between Johnston and Trudeau.

Johnston will have to determine by May 23 whether holding a public inquiry is necessary.

As for his own investigation into the extent of foreign interference in elections in Canada, it must be completed by October 31, 2023.