The federal government appointed a judge from Quebec to head a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference in Canada's affairs.

Two government sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters that have not yet been announced, confirmed that Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue will lead the inquiry.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who is also the Minister of Democratic Institutions, is scheduled to announce the public inquiry today.

Opposition parties have been calling for a public inquiry for months regarding allegations that the Liberals failed to monitor and respond adequately to attempts by foreign countries, particularly China, to interfere in Canada's affairs.

The Liberals initially appointed former Governor General David Johnston as a special rapporteur to study the issue and promised to follow his recommendations, including if he called for a public inquiry.

Johnston recommended against holding an inquiry, stating that the inability to disclose many details due to national security implications would not provide Canadians with the answers they want.

Johnston then resigned from his position as special rapporteur due to the highly partisan atmosphere surrounding his work.