By Caribbean News Global 
OTTAWA, Canada – Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, on Wednesday, announced that the federal government intends to appoint David Johnston as Independent Special Rapporteur, a new role as part of a suite of measures to help combat foreign interference and strengthen confidence in our federal electoral process and democratic institutions.
Independent Special Rapporteur
David Johnston as Independent Special Rapporteur “follows consultations with all parties in the House of Commons,” the prime minister’s office – communications announced.
Johnston is an accomplished Canadian public servant and law professor. He served as the 28th Governor General of Canada from 2010 to 2017, an important role in Canada’s democracy.
Prior to his installation as Governor General, Johnston was a professor of law for 45 years. He has spoken and written extensively on Canada’s democratic institutions and the value of trust. Johnston has chaired or served on many provincial and federal task forces and committees and has served on the boards of more than a dozen public companies. In 2007, prime minister Stephen Harper announced Johnston would serve as a special advisor, drafting the terms of reference for a public inquiry into the Airbus affair, which became the Oliphant Commission. He is currently serving as the Leaders’ Debates Commissioner, contributing actively to our democracy, a role from which he will step down to serve as Independent Special Rapporteur.
PMO-CPM outlined the following:
- Johnston will have a wide mandate to look into foreign interference in the last two federal general elections and make expert recommendations on how to further protect our democracy and uphold Canadians’ confidence in it.
- The government of Canada will comply with and implement his public recommendations, which could include a formal inquiry, a judicial review, or another independent review process. We will be working with Johnston to finalize his mandate in the coming days, and it will be made public.
Moreover, the government of Canada signalled that “it takes any attempts at undermining our democracy very seriously and will continue to take action to protect our institutions and uphold Canadians’ confidence in our democracy,” and affirmed that “Building on the work of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), both of which are also reviewing foreign interference in the last two elections, as well as other ongoing processes, Johnston will identify any remaining gaps or areas requiring further attention to protect the integrity of Canada’s democracy.
Prime Minister Trudeau, said:
“Canadians need to have confidence in our electoral system, and in our democracy. As Independent Special Rapporteur, Johnston brings integrity and a wealth of experience and skills, and I am confident that he will conduct an impartial review to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to keep our democracy safe and uphold and strengthen confidence in it.”
PMO-CPM further advised: “The government of Canada will continue to take action to strengthen and protect our democracy – one of the strongest and most stable in the world – and uphold Canadians’ confidence in our institutions.”
