Parliamentary Committee Notes: PROC Committee Membership
The Honourable Bardish Chagger- Chair
LPC – Waterloo (Ontario)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Sciences
- Politics: Former executive assistant to the Honourable Andrew Telegdi (Former MP of Waterloo)
- Community Involvement: MP Chagger has lent her support to many different causes and organizations, including the Rotary Club of Waterloo, Interfaith Grand River and the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo Wellington Dufferin.
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Former Minister: Small Business and Tourism (2015 – 2018); Diversity and Inclusion and Youth (2019 – 2021)
- Former Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2016 – 2019)
- Member of the Board of Internal Economy (2016 – 2019)
Committee Membership
- Chair: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present); Liaison Committee (2021 – Present)
- Former Member: Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- MP Chagger has not issued any negative public statements on China. Her most recent remarks on China date back to 2018, when she repeatedly mentioned the importance of the Chinese tourists to the national tourism industry in the House and at the Standing Committee on Industry and Technology (INDU).
Disinformation:
- The only time MP Chagger has spoken about disinformation was during a debate on COVID-19 in May 2022, where she accused the Conservative Party of Canada of continuing to focus on personal attacks and spreading disinformation.
John Nater, Vice-president
CPC – Perth—Wellington (Ontario)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Public Policy and Administration, Master's degree in Public Policy and a PhD in Canadian Politics and Comparative Politics
- Municipal Politics: Councillor for the Municipality of West Perth (2010 – 2014)
- Policy: Policy Analyst at Treasury Board of Canada (2008 – 2009); Grievance Analyst at the Correctional Service of Canada (2008); Legislative Assistant for MP Gary Schellenberger (2003 – 2007)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Former Deputy House Leader (2019 – 2020)
- Former Critic: Canadian Heritage (2021 – 2022); Middle Class Prosperity (Finance) (2021); Rural Economic Development (Industry) (2020 – 2021) ; Industry (Interprovincial Trade) (2017 – 2018)
- Former Shadow Cabinet Secretary: Sharing Economy (Industry) (2018 – 2019)
Committee Membership
- Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2017 – 2019/2021 – Present)
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2016 – 2017)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021); Standing Joint Committee on the Library of Parliament (2020); Standing Committee on Official Languages (2016 – 2017)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- MP Nater's most recent comment in relation to China was an OPQ tabled in April 2021, where he asked if the government know which of the projects currently funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and located in China are using forced Uyghur labour and, if so, which ones.
- During a House debate in May 2019, MP Nater also criticized Canada's involvement in the AIIB by mentioning that "the Liberals are paying to build roads, bridges and pipelines in China, while allowing key local infrastructure here in Canada to crumble".
Russia:
- MP Nater's most recent comment in relation to Russia was an OPQ tabled on November 16, 2022, where he requested all details of the contracts signed or entered into by the government with Russian vendors, since January 1, 2022.
- During a House debate in September 2018, MP Nater mentioned the potential influence of Russia in the US elections in 2018, and stated that this has become a global phenomenon. He stressed that Canada must ensure its rules, and its laws are as strong and strict as possible to ensure that there is no such influence in Canada's elections.
Disinformation:
- The only instance where MP Nater has spoken about disinformation was during Question Period in May 2022, where he accused the Liberal government of using disinformation to pass Bill C-11, An Act to amend the Broadcasting Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts.
Marie-Hélène Gaudreau, Vice-president,
BQ – Laurentides—Labelle (Québec)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2019
- Re-elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Communication
- Communication: Director of Communications for Produits Forestiers Bellerive (2002 – 2005); Branch Information Officer (2013 – 2014)
- Managing: General Manager (2005 – 2009); General Manager at the Corporation de développement communautaire des Hautes-Laurentides (2015 – 2019)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Bloc Québécois Caucus Chair (2021 – Present)
- Bloc Québécois Deputy Caucus Chair (2019 – 2021)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-China Legislative Association (2020 – Present); Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2020 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2020 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2020 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020 – Present)
- Former Critic: Employment and Social Development (Living together) (2019 – 2021); Access to Information, Ethics and Privacy (Treasury Board) (2019 – 2021)
Committee Membership
- Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 – Present)
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2020 – 2021)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2020 – 2021)
Points of Interest to GAC
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Gaudreau mentioned that "foreign interference is a subject I know little about, and I'm learning things that are extremely distressing."
- During the same meeting, she showed interest in the transparency and education method to inform the Canadian population on foreign interference and asked why voters know so little about the problem of foreign interference in Canada.
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Gaudreau asked why the Commissioner of Canada Elections limits the period for complaints and monitoring of foreign election interference to only the writ period and not all year round.
Disinformation:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Gaudreau mentioned that, whatever the substance of the misinformation and whatever the target, it is unacceptable. She noted that Finland, with its digital literacy strategy, sets a good example to counter misinformation, and asked how Canada compares to Finland in this area.
- At the PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Gaudreau asked whether laws at the international level are inadequate to properly regulate internet service providers. She suggested examining the possible contribution of Five Eyes nations to develop legislation for the prevention of attempts of cyberattack, cyber threat, or even attempts to spread disinformation.
Luc Berthold
CPC – Mégantic—L'Érable (Québec)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Municipal Politics: Mayor of the City of Thetford Mines (2006 – 2013)
- Provincial Politics: Press Secretary, Chief of Staff, Director of Communications for the Liberal Party of Quebec (1999 – 2006)
- Speaker: Trainer, speaker, coach for the John Maxwell Team Mines (2013 – 2020)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Deputy House Leader of the Official Opposition (2022 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020 – Present); Canada- Europe Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2017 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2021 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2015 – Present)
- Former Critic: Health (2021 – 2022); Treasury Board (2020 – 2021); Infrastructure and Communities (2019 – 2020); Agriculture and Agri-Food (2017 – 2019), Transport (Infrastructure and Communities) (2015 – 2016); Transport (Rail Safety) (2016 – 2017)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 – Present)
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Health (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri- Food (2017 – 2019); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2016 – 2017)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Health (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Communities (2016 – 2017/2020); Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- During Question Period in November 2022, MP Berthold repeatedly spoke out about Chinese interference in previous elections (unclear if 2019 or 2021) and insisted on receiving the names of the eleven MPs who allegedly received funding from Beijing.
Russia:
- During Question Period in March 2022, MP Berthold stated that "too many Canadians are subjected to false information about Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine, some of which repeat word-for-word the Russian ambassador's statement". He then asked the Prime Minister to expel the Russian Ambassador to Canada.
Foreign Interference:
- During a House debate on Canada's election in February 2019, MP Berthold expressed concern that foreign interference would occur in future elections. He voiced his support for Bill C-406, which he believed would prevent foreign interference during Canadian elections.
Disinformation:
- At the PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Berthold mentioned that "disinformation and foreign interference, whether the target is a member of the Liberals, Conservatives, Bloc Québécois or NDP, is unacceptable" and that "Canada needs to do everything in its power to combat foreign influence in every riding so that Canadians are the only ones deciding who gets elected".
- During the same meeting, he asked to what extent the spread of disinformation can be attributed to Facebook,Twitter and other social media algorithms.
Rachel Blaney
NPD – North Island—Powell River (British Columbia)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in First Nations Studies
- Immigration: Executive Director of the Immigrant Welcome Centre of North Vancouver Island (2007 – 2015)
- First Nation: Employment officer for Homalco First Nation (1999 – 2007)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Critic: Industry (Rural Economic Development) (2021 – Present)
- Whip of the N.D.P. (2019 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Counsellor: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present); Canada- Germany Interparliamentary Group (2022 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2022 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2020 – Present)
- Deputy Whip of the N.D.P. (2018 – 2019)
- Former Critic: Canadian Heritage (Multiculturalism) (2015 – 2017); Employment and Social Development (Seniors) (2017 – 2019); Veterans Affairs (2019 – 2021)
- Former Assistant Critic: Transport (Infrastructure and Communities) (2015 – 2018)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2019 – Present); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2019 – Present);
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2018 – 2021)
Points of Interest to GAC
Russia:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Blaney stressed that Russia is constantly looking at ways to create destabilized realities within other countries. She asked for more information regarding the methods of destabilization used by Russia.
Disinformation and Misinformation:
- During Question Period on November 14, 2022, MP Blaney tabled a unanimous consent motion, which was rejected, calling on the government to employ a whole-of-society approach to counter disinformation.
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Blaney showed interest in disinformation campaigns targeting rural and remote communities, indigenous peoples, ethnic groups, and marginalized groups of individuals.
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Blaney acknowledged the increase of misinformation on social media. She asked if prominent social media platforms can effectively stop the spread of disinformation and how Canada can make sure that misinformation is not being impacted by foreign interference, especially in terms of its elections.
Blaine Calkins
CPC – Red Deer—Lacombe (Alberta)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2006
- Re-elected: 2008, 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Biology, Certificate in Conservation Law Enforcement, and a Diploma in Computer Systems Technology
- Municipal Politics: Town Councillor at the City of Lacombe (2004 – 2006)
- Computer Sciences: Database Administrator at Futjitsu (1998 – 2000); Instructor at Red Deer College (2000 – 2005)
- Biology: Park Ranger for the Government of Alberta (1994 – 1997)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Critic: Hunting, Fishing and Conservation (Environment/Fisheries and Oceans) (2022 – Present); Public Works and Government Services (2021 – 2022)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2022 – Year); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2017 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2019 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter- Parliamentary Association (2016 – Present)
- Former Whip of the Conservative Party of Canada (2022)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present)
- Former Chair: Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2016 – 2017)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (2018 – 2021); Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2018); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2018); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2018)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Calkins expressed concern about Chinese interference affecting Canadian parliamentarians and asked if there are any current parliamentarians or senators, volunteers in various campaigns or staff working for MPs or senators, of whom Parliament should be aware, who could potentially be compromised and influenced by China.
- During the same meeting, MP Calkins also raised the National Intelligence Law of the People's Republic of China, which requires Chinese organizations and citizens anywhere in the world to assist with Chinese intelligence work. He linked this issue to the alleged Chinese police stations in Canada and asked about the ongoing measures to monitor this threat.
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Calkins noted that the foreign interference of eleven MPs in the last election would have yielded a significant impact on the outcome of the election. He asked how easy it is for a foreign state actors to influence the outcome of an election in Canada.
- During a House debate in February 2019, MP Calkins has spoken out in favour of Bill C-406, An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act (foreign contributions), arguing that it will help to address the growing issue of foreign influence in Canadian elections by prohibiting foreign entities from contributing to third parties for election advertising.
Russia:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Calkins asked if the "wedge, stigmatize, divide" approach used by the Prime Minister to govern, provides a fertile breeding ground for Russia to manipulate the Canadian public.
Disinformation:
- At the PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Calkins recognized that "misinformation seems to be gobbled up and consumed by the consumer a lot more readily than the truth is" and asked what measures could be taken to improve the situation.
Michael Cooper
CPC – St. Albert—Edmonton (Alberta)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Law
- Law: Civil litigator at an Edmonton law firm
- Community: MP Cooper is an active member of his community, serving as a lector and a Eucharistic minister at the St. Albert Parish, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus, the St. Albert District of Commerce and the St. Albert Rotary Club.
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Critic: Democratic Reform (Privy Council Office) (2022 – Present); Justice (2015 – 2017)
- Parliamentary Association Director: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2022 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2016 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2018 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2015 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter- Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present)
Committee Membership
- Vice-Chair: Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2022 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2022 – Present); Special Joint Committee on Medical Assistance in Dying (2021 – Present)
- Former Vice-Chair: Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2018 - 2019)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights (2016 - 2022); Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2021 – 2022); Standing Committee on Finance (2020)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- During multiple Question Period debates in November 2022, MP Cooper raised China's interference in the 2019 election in Canada and insisted on obtaining the names of the eleven MPs who received funding from Beijing and confirmation on when the Prime Minister was informed of the situation.
- Again, during multiple Question Period debates in October 2022, MP Cooper highlighted the presence of the three alleged Chinese police stations in Canada and criticized the government's inaction.
- On several occasions in the House, MP Cooper has criticized China's human rights record and its behaviour towards Taiwan and called on the government to impose sanctions on China.
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Cooper showed concern about foreign actors using proxy individuals to conduct illicit financing activities on their behalf. He asked if the CSIS knows how much foreign money is being funneled for these activities.
Disinformation:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Cooper criticized the lack of information provided to the population regarding disinformation campaigns made by foreign actors. He asked how these types of campaigns are organized and how many people were targeted by these campaigns during the elections.
Greg Fergus
LPC – Hull-Aylmer (Québec)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Bachelor's degree in International relations and a Master's degree in International relations
- Policy: He worked as a policy advisor and senior policy advisor in a number of ministerial offices. He has also worked at all levels of the Liberal Party of Canada, including as National Director (2007 – 2009)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the President of the Treasury Board (2021 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Director: Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association (2017 – 2018/2022 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Vice-Chair: Canada-Germany Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present)
- Parliamentary Association Member: Canada-China Legislative Association (2015 – Present); Canada-Europe Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association (2020 – Present); Canada-Ireland Interparliamentary Group (2017 – Present); Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group (2016 – Present); Canada-Italy Interparliamentary Group (2020 – Present); Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group (2020 – 2021); Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association (2018 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie (2018 – Present); Canadian Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2017 – Present); Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group (2015 – Present); Canadian Section of ParlAmericas (2018 – Present); Canada-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Association (2015 – Present); Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (2017 – Present); Canadian Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (2015 – Present)
- Former Parliamentary Secretary: President of the Treasury Board and to the Minister of Digital Government (2019 – 2021); Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (Western Economic Diversification/Industry) (2015 – 2017)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present); Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics (2020 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Public Accounts (2019 – 2021); Standing Committee on Finance (2017 – 2019)
Points of Interest to GAC
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 3, 2022, MP Fergus stated that China, North Korea, Iran and Russia are the top four countries responsible for political interference on social media. He asked for information on the methods used by these countries in terms of political interference on social media.
- During the same meeting, MP Fergus also asked about the difference between the political interference methods used by China and Russia on social media, as well as on the comparison of their effectiveness in influencing the Canadian population, during the last elections.
Mark Gerretsen
LPC – Kingston and The Islands (Ontario)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Economics
- Real Estate: Director of GP Property Management Inc. (1997 – 2022)
- Municipal Politics: Mayor of the City of Kingston (2010 – 2014); Municipal Councillor of the City of Kingston (2006 – 2010)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Parliamentary Secretary: Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (Senate) (2021 – Present)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2019 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2019); Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development (2016 – 2018)
Points of Interest to GAC
China:
- MP Gerretsen has spoken out on several occasions in the House and at committee regarding the Chinese government's trafficking of organs from the Falun Gong people.
- On November 2, 2022, MP Gerretsen tabled a petition calling on Parliament to pass a resolution to establish a means to stop the Chinese Communist regime from systematically murdering Falun Gong practitioners for their organs and to stop the persecution of the Falun Gong in China.
Russia:
- During a House debate in May 2022, MP Gerretsen acknowledged that Russia is using disinformation campaigns in Canada and suggested that the Conservative leader is using these campaigns for political gain.
Sherry Romanado
LPC – Longueuil—Charles-LeMoyne (Québec)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Certificate in Human Resources Management, Certificate in Public Relations Management and a Master's degree in Business Administration
- Education (McGill University): Faculty Lecturer - Public Relations Program (2011 – 2015); Assistant Director - International Partnerships (2011 – 2012); Manager, International Advancement and Policy (2009 – 2011); Manager - Office of the VP (2006 – 2009); Executive Assistant to the President (2001 – 2006)
- Business: President at Les Solutions Universitas Inc. (2012 – 2014)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons (2021 – Present)
- Former Parliamentary Secretary: Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence (2017 – 2018); Minister of Seniors (2018 – 2019)
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2021 – Present)
- Former Chair: Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (2020 – 2021)
- Former Member: Special Committee on the Economic Relationship between Canada and the United States (2021); Liaison Committee (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on National Defence (2016 – 2018); Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs (2016 – 2018); Special Committee on Electoral Reform (2016)
Points of Interest to GAC
Disinformation:
- At a PROC meeting of November 1, 2022, MP Romanado recognized the influence of misinformation campaigns on social media during elections and asked what methods could be used to limit this phenomenon to ensure that Canadians have the right information on elections.
Foreign Agents:
- At a PROC meeting of November 3, 2022, MP Romanado asked about the security benefits against foreign interference of establishing a registry of foreign agents.
Foreign Interference:
- During a House debate on the Emergency Act in February 2022, MP Romanado claimed foreign interference occurred during the trucker protests in Ottawa, through funding and a misinformation campaign.
Cyberwarfare:
- At a NDDN meeting in November 2016, MP Romanado recognized the cyber capabilities of China and Russia and asked how Canada is working with the U.S. to protect itself from potential cyber attacks by Russia and China.
Ruby Sahota
LPC – Brampton North (Ontario)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2015
- Re-elected: 2019, 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations and a Bachelor's degree in Law
- Law: Lawyer at the Ruby Singh Attorney at Law (2012); Associate Attorney at the Yormick & Associates (2007 – 2011)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Deputy Whip of the Liberal Party (2021 – Present)
- Member: Joint Interparliamentary Council (2021 – Present); Board of Internal Economy (2021 – Present); Subcommittee on Review of Parliament's involvement with associations and recognized Interparliamentary groups (2022 – Present)
Committee Membership
- Chair: Subcommittee on Private Members' Business of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2020 – Present)
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2015 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (2020 – 2021); Liaison Committee (2020 – 2021); Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security (2018 – 2019); Standing Committee on the Status of Women (2016); Special Committee on Electoral Reform (2016)
Points of Interest to GAC
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Sahota acknowledged that the main countries actively participating in foreign interference are China, Russia and Iran. She insisted on confirmation of whether other countries are active in this field.
- During the same meeting, MP Sahota highlighted the role that social media plays in sharing information via their algorithms during elections. She asked whether the use of these algorithms by social media companies, located mostly in the United States, can also constitute foreign interference.
- During the same meeting, she asked about the distinction between foreign interference and legitimate international diplomacy.
Ryan Turnbull
LPC – Whitby (Ontario)
Election to The House Of Commons
- First elected: 2019
- Re-elected: 2021
Professional Background
- Studies: Bachelor's degree in Philosophy and a Master's degree in Philosophy
- Environment: Founder and President of Eco-Ethonomics Inc. (2008 – Present)
- Research/Education: Guest Lecturer at Durham College (2015 – 2019); Lecturer at Ryerson University (2014 – 2015); Research Governance Coordinator at St. George's University of London (2007 – 2008)
Political and Parliamentary Roles
- Nil.
Committee Membership
- Member: Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (2020 – Present); Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food (2021 – Present)
- Former Member: Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (2020 – 2021)
Points of Interest to GAC
Disinformation:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Turnbull expressed concern about the prevalence of misinformation and disinformation on social media and asked how this impacts Canada's democratic institutions.
- At a PROC meeting in May 2022, MP Turnbull mentioned that hate and conspiracy theories are contributing to and are becoming more mainstream in Canadian politics, which could present serious consequences during an election campaign.
Foreign Interference:
- At a PROC meeting on November 1, 2022, MP Turnbull mentioned that, during the convoy protest, a significant amount of funding, in support of the convoy, originated from across the U.S. border. He asked what Canada is doing to stop this type of foreign-sponsored domestic interference.
- During the same meeting, MP Turnbull expressed concern regarding the algorithmic transparency of social medial companies and asked if this yielded an impact on Canadian elections and, if so, whether it could be considered as foreign interference.
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