The Canadian government on Thursday announced the appointment of Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue to chair a public inquiry into claims of foreign interference in Canadian elections.

Justice Hogue will preside over an independent inquiry investigating interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections by China, Russia, other foreign states and non-state actors. Hogue has been given a timeline for findings, with an interim report due by February 29, 2024 and a final report due by December 2024. 

Canada has announced reports of several leaked intelligence over the past year. In May, Canada declared that a Chinese diplomat was implicated in interference attempts and operations that included trying to intimidate and punish certain democratically debated opinions. 

Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc said that he would like to “thank the Opposition House Leaders for their willingness to work in a non-partisan fashion, in the interest of our country, to ensure Canada’s democratic institutions remain strong and resilient.”

Hogue has been appointed under the Canadian Inquiries Act (1985) and will operate independently from the government. In her role as Commissioner, Hogue will have the power under section 3 of the Inquiries Act (1985) to “take evidence, issue subpoenas, enforce the attendance of witnesses, compel them to give evidence, and otherwise conduct the inquiry.” 

Dominic LeBlanc has also extended his appreciation to Hogue for agreeing to lead the inquiry. Stating that Hogue “will be able to undertake her work with the full support of all recognized parties in the House.”