Olivia Chow, MP

Olivia Chow addresses specious CSIS claims

As the leaders of the G20 start arriving in Canada, let us not give in to the politics of fear being peddled by former or current CSIS officials. 

Canada is proud of our diversity, it is our strength. Multi-culturalism is worthy of celebration, and immigrants helped build our nation. 

Repeating discredited statements, innuendo and accusations heightens paranoia and is destructive to an open and democratic society. 

Let me give a glaring example of just such an error: Michel Juneau-Katsuya, the former head of the CSIS Asia desk, was forced to back down on recent baseless allegations made in his book ‘Nest of Spies’ In his book, he stated my motion 291 passed by the Parliament of Canada asking for Japan to apologise for sexual slavery of comfort women during the second world war was backed by an organization influenced and funded by the Chinese government. Harper Collins, the publisher of the book has since removed these offending pages. 

Mr. Juneau-Katsuya was also involved in the Sidewinder Affair, a report on Chinese spies that was deep sixed by CSIS after the intervention of the Security Intelligence Review Committee. 

How does CSIS know that certain elected representatives are under influence by spies? Is CSIS keeping files on elected representatives now, if so, whom, and why? CSIS must come clean and explain itself. 

We know that Tommy Douglas, the greatest Canadian, was investigated. His file is still not made public. If CSIS has nothing to hide, then make the file on Tommy Douglas public. 

Make public the files on all elected officials, name names, and give evidence. Hiding in the shadow and and making blanket statements is harmful and destructive. 

Mr Fadden’s public comments are unacceptable, casting a broad shadow on individuals without foundation. His remarks need to be condemned by the Prime Minster on behalf of all Canadians and our democracy. 

Baseless spy stories belong in novels and movie theatres. Let’s not allow them to damage friendships between countries and tar the reputations of elected representatives and other Canadians. 

Let us not get distracted by these sideshows and focus our energy on making poverty history and taking concrete actions to tackle climate change.