The Federal Foreign Interference Inquiry Committee requested a postponement of its first report submission by approximately two months to allow sufficient time for the process and public hearings.

The public hearings will begin on January 29, 2024. They will be held over five days in Ottawa, where the committee will then listen to actual witnesses and recognized experts. The goal will be to find the best ways to disseminate as much information as possible from secret sources and documents.

The committee, chaired by Judge Hogue from the Quebec Court of Appeal, must examine attempts of interference during the recent Canadian elections by China, Russia, or any other foreign country or non-governmental actor.

Earlier on Friday, Judge Hogue rejected a review request from the Canadian Conservative Party, which sought to overturn her previous decision that denied the party the status of a party on the factual side of the procedure.

This means that the Conservatives, as an intervenor in the inquiry, will not be able to cross-examine witnesses or consult documents that do not constitute documents submitted as evidence. However, their representatives will be able to attend the public hearings, view documents submitted as evidence, and provide input to the committee.

In a decision issued on Friday, Judge Hogue said that the Conservatives did not present new facts or developments that would justify overturning her previous decision to grant them intervenor status rather than party status on the factual side of the inquiry.

The distinction between the government and the Liberal Party...

The judge pointed out that the Conservatives will still be able to contribute to the committee's work by submitting documents and information, suggesting witnesses to be summoned, and proposing potential topics for questioning them.

Hogue also said that although the Conservatives see it as unfair to be denied party status while this status is granted to the federal government, currently led by the Liberal Party leader, there is a difference between the current government and the political party that controls the House of Commons.

Hogue also rejected another reconsideration request submitted by the Coalition for Human Rights, which challenged the fact that Michael Chan and MP Han Dong were granted party status, as this organization requested that their access to the testimony and ability to question witnesses be limited.