Influence operation
PRC-linked WeChat narratives in Canada's 2021 election
A coordinated cluster of false narratives circulated through WeChat, Douyin and Chinese-language media during Canada's 2021 federal election, targeting the Conservative Party, leader Erin O'Toole and especially candidate Kenny Chiu. Canada's Rapid Response Mechanism identified links to the PRC information environment.
RRM Canada assessed with low-to-moderate confidence that the activity may have been a PRC foreign influence operation, but found no clear evidence that the PRC government directed it. The Hogue Commission later said foreign interference could have affected a small number of ridings but could not determine that with certainty, and found no effect on which party formed government.
Elections
People
Actors
Evidence Library
Official reportRapid Response Mechanism Canada, Global Affairs CanadaOctober 8, 2021New
Chinese state media and Canadian WeChat accounts spread false narratives in Canada's 2021 electionOriginalArchive pending
Official reportPublic Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic InstitutionsJanuary 28, 2025New
Canada Foreign Interference Commission final report, volume 1OriginalArchive pending