The Liberal government resisted for months launching an inquiry into foreign interference, but it now says short timetables given to the newly-appointed commissioner are necessary to promptly reassure Canadians. “We understand the importance of moving quickly,” Public Safety Minister Dominic Leblanc told reporters in Ottawa on Sept. 7 during an announcement on the identity of the commissioner. After spending months negotiating with opposition parties on the terms of reference of the inquiry, and in searching for a candidate accepted by all parties, Mr. Leblanc said Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue will preside over the inquiry. Justice Hogue will start her work on the inquiry on Sept. 18, the same day the House of Commons reconvenes. She has been given short deadlines with the requirement to submit an interim report by the end of February 2024 and a final report by December 2024....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/world/after-resisting-foreign-interference-inquiry-ottawa-now-says-results-needed-quickly-5487834
Presidential elections in Taiwan are scheduled for Jan. 13, 2024. Political parties have started battling for votes in an event that holds high geopolitical stakes and is expected to set the course for future U.S.–China relations. Experts tell The Epoch Times that young voters in particular are seeking answers to the many problems facing the self-ruled island. With various political parties in the fray, they have ample alternatives. Although Taiwan’s elections are democratic, influence operations by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are working overtime. Influence operations have evolved in recent years, using sophisticated techniques to affect voters’ perception of their reality in order to influence their choices....
China’s exports fell for the fourth consecutive month in August, but the trade downturn eased slightly. Experts say China’s trade is set to worsen further this year, making policy support crucial for a turnaround rather than a revival in global demand or a rebound in domestic activity. Exports fell 8.8 percent year-on-year in August, the fourth consecutive month of loss, but topping Reuters poll predictions of a 9.49 percent drop and July’s record of minus 14.5 percent. According to the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), imports decreased 7.3 percent year-on-year, topping predictions of a minus 8.16 percent, which is better than the negative 12.4 percent reported in July....
The federal government has tapped Quebec Court of Appeal Justice Marie-Josée Hogue to lead the public inquiry into interference by foreign states, according to several reports. Media outlets have reported the news, citing anonymous sources, but have indicated that Minister Dominic Leblanc is expected to make the official announcement on Sept. 7. Mr. Leblanc, who is responsible for Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, said during the Liberal cabinet retreat at the end of August that parties were “real close” to finding the right candidate. The minister had refused to confirm rumours the hold-up was due to several sitting or retired judges refusing to take the role....