By Guo Ding
Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, foreign interference, perceived or real, has become a persistent feature of modern politics. This phenomenon does not seem to be confined to countries with differing ideologies; it now extends even to those with similar systems and values. Taking our neighbor, the United States, as an example, it can be seen or heard in Canada beyond federal elections, to issues such as the Alberta independence movement.
All forms of foreign interference should be opposed. Canada’s affairs—especially those concerning our democratic elections—must not be subject to external influence and interference, whether such interference originates from Asia, Europe, or even our closest neighbor.
At the same time, Canadians must remain vigilant against a small group of racist actors who exploit these geopolitical dynamics by conflating foreign interference with the independent voting choices of citizens. The direct and probably intended consequence is fear among minority communities that weakens their political participation. Previous federal inquiry reports have acknowledged that foreign interference exists, but found no evidence that it altered the outcome of federal elections. The principle is straightforward—if election results had been compromised, a re-election would be warranted, including in ridings such as Richmond Centre, and those responsible should be held accountable pursuant to the law.
Why, then, would certain individuals deliberately blur the line between the existence of foreign interference and the claim that election outcomes were affected? The answer is simple: it is projection of deeply held bias, which questions the political rights of minority groups, particularly Chinese Canadians, in the name of national security or loyalty.
I am reminded of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s remarks following his 2015 electoral defeat, when he stated that “the voters are always right.” This underscores a fundamental truth: democratic elections are the moment when citizens speak. When politicians lose, the right thing to do is to reflect on the reasons why they come out short, and not to blame voters by suggesting that they were manipulated by foreign forces. Such claims are both unreasonable, divisive, and an evasion of accountability.
It is deeply troubling that some commentators and so-called media figures choose to turn a blind eye to basic facts and logic, and instead act in a way that stigmatizes and mischaracterizes large segments of the electorate. This is not ignorance, but a profound failure of integrity in our time.
Let me reiterate: foreign interference is a real and widespread issue in this country, and we oppose it unequivocally, wherever it originates. However, the autonomy of voters and their fundamental right to vote must never be compromised under any pretext. In Canada’s history, Chinese Canadians were once denied some of their most fundamental rights—especially the right to vote. That must never be allowed to happen again. These rights are enshrined in our Constitution, and Chinese Canadians are, unequivocally, Canadians and contributing members of this great country.