Introduction

In a stunning revelation, it has come to light that former Public Safety Minister Bill Blair took an astonishing six weeks—or possibly even longer—to authorize an electronic warrant for monitoring Michael Chan, a long-standing member of Ontario’s Liberal Party, prior to the 2021 federal election. This disclosure stems from documents released during a public inquiry investigating foreign interference in Canadian politics.

The Delays Revealed

Witness testimonies unveiled on Friday indicate that the actual delay might have stretched to eight weeks, raising alarm bells among agents of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), who typically expect ministerial approvals within a swift ten-day window. The inquiry was originally sparked by a report from The Globe and Mail, which disclosed that it took Blair around four months to ultimately approve the surveillance of Chan, a key power player in the Greater Toronto Area.

CSIS Agents Frustrated

The protracted delay left CSIS operatives extremely frustrated, especially since they required additional time to obtain a federal judge's endorsement to install surveillance devices in Chan's vehicles, residence, office, and various electronic devices as the election season loomed. A national security source, speaking anonymously due to the risks posed under the Security of Information Act, conveyed to The Globe the serious implications of this delay.

Contradictions and Complications

Despite Blair's assertions in April that he approved the warrant just three hours after it arrived on his desk, inquiries have shed light on the complications surrounding the approval process. Transcripts from interviews with former CSIS director David Vigneault and his deputy, Cindy Tessier, were presented as part of the inquiry. Tessier noted that operational staff within CSIS expressed significant frustration over what they perceived as unreasonable delays in receiving the necessary approvals.

Tensions and Speculations

The scandal deepened as it surfaced that the warrant sat in Blair’s office for a staggering 54 days, from mid-March to May 11, 2021. Questions arose regarding communication lapses, particularly when Tessier acknowledged that she had informed Blair's chief of staff, Zita Astravas, about the impending warrant and yet, there seemed to be little progress. Ms. Astravas has since declined to comment, citing legal restrictions around discussing specific cases.

Michael Chan's Background

As these testimonies unfolded, it became clear that there were underlying tensions regarding the warrant. Speculation circulated that the hesitancy to act on Chan's surveillance directly correlated with his position within the Liberal party as a prominent fundraiser and organizer. Indeed, Chan has been a long-time focus of CSIS, with allegations of links to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and associations with Beijing’s affiliates.

Broader Context of Surveillance

The inquiry further revealed that Chan had been under observation for several years and that CSIS had sought to broaden its surveillance capabilities against him during a critical election year. In 2023, information emerged indicating Chan's connections to Zhao Wei, a Chinese diplomat expelled from Canada following allegations of intimidation against Conservative MP Michael Chong.

Chan's Defense

In the context of these accusations, Chan has vehemently defended himself, asserting that he remains unaware of any surveillance and labeling the actions against him as "shadowy allegations" stemming from dubious national security leaks. He claims to be a victim of ongoing harassment and intimidation from authorities.

Political Implications

The inquiry has raised alarm about the implications of possible political intervention in national security matters, with former CSIS head Vigneault expressing disbelief that critical intelligence regarding Chinese interference in Canadian politics was not promptly relayed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Conclusion

As these shocking revelations unfold, Canadian citizens are left questioning the integrity of political operations and the security of their democratic systems at a time when foreign interference is increasingly a pressing concern.