Toronto, December 3, 2024 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau)- While a report in a Canadian outlet alleged that India interfered in the 2022 race to elect the leader of the Conservative Party, the principals involved in that process have rebutted that claim.
The report in the government-funded outlet (akin to Doordarshan in India) CBC News alleged, citing unnamed sources, that Indian agents “attempted to derail” the candidacy of Patrick Brown, who is currently the Mayor of the Greater Toronto Area township of Brampton.
It quoted the sources saying “Indian consulate representatives” put pressure on Brown’s campaign co-chair Michelle Rempel Garner to leave, which she did in June that year.
That particular contest was won handily by current Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre in the first round, as he garnered nearly 70% of the votes. Brown was never considered a serious candidate for the post.
Garner refuted the imputation in the CBC News’ report, as she told the outlet in a written statement, “I left Mr Brown’s campaign completely of my own volition.”
“In no instance was I coerced in any manner, by anyone, at any time. I am an experienced parliamentarian, seasoned communicator, and former cabinet minister who has proven more than capable of developing senior grade positions entirely based on my own read of a situation…to suggest that I’m not is ridiculous,” she added.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, Brown said, “I have no reason to believe that such interference altered the final outcome of the 2022 Conservative Party of Canada leadership race.”
Summary: A Canadian media report alleges that India played a role in influencing the 2022 race for the Conservative Party leadership.