Canada’s foreign interference special rapporteur David Johnston resigned on Thursday amid accusations of partiality, citing a “highly partisan atmosphere” that emerged around his work. Johnston, a former governor-general of Canada, was appointed as the country’s first special rapporteur on foreign interference in 2020. His role was to investigate and report on foreign interference in Canadian elections and democratic processes.

In a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Johnston expressed disappointment that his leadership did not build trust in Canada’s democratic institutions as he intended and instead had the opposite effect. He further stated that the atmosphere around his appointment and work made it impossible for him to carry out his duties effectively. He tendered his resignation, effective no later than the end of June 2023, or as soon as he delivers a brief final report.

Following Johnston’s resignation, political commentators raised concerns about the politicization of appointments and the need for greater transparency and accountability in Canada’s efforts to combat foreign interference. While the government has acknowledged the importance of the role, opposition parties and civil society groups have called for a more independent and transparent process for appointing a new special rapporteur.