Roundup: No actionable intelligence?

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The Globe and Mail advanced the allegations surrounding MP Han Dong last night, apparently having received the same intelligence that Global did, and asked the PMO about it two-and-a-half weeks ago. Their sources say that PMO asked for a transcript of the conversation Dong allegedly had with the Chinese consulate, and deemed there to not be enough actionable in there. It does raise further questions about the leakers, and if they are leaking to both Global and the Globe and Mail, or if their sources remain separate.

Nevertheless, both outlets’ reporting lacks crucial nuance or expert checking with former intelligence officials that can provide both context or a gut check. And the fact that a transcript was provided doesn’t entirely tell us if this conversation was in English or Mandarin, and if it was in translation that could lose context or proper nuance in the language, which are all important around how we are to evaluate the allegations. And irresponsible reporting is taking us into witch-hunt territory, which is going to get ugly really fast.

https://twitter.com/chercywong/status/1638869879351808000

Meanwhile, the House of Commons voted for a motion to launch a public inquiry immediately, but it’s non-binding, and the government is waiting on recommendations from David Johnston. It was noted that Dong voted for the motion, while Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith abstained, later explaining over Twitter that he supports an inquiry but wants to wait for Johnston’s recommendations.

Ukraine Dispatch:

Ukrainian forces are gearing up for their spring counter-offensive as Russian forces are flagging in their assault on Bakhmut, but president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is warning European allies that unless they step up weapons shipments, the war could drag on for years. Zelenskyy visited the region around Kherson, and vowed to repair the damaged Russia had caused. Here are stories of Ukrainian fighters wounded in the fighting in Bakhmut, as they repelled Russian attacks. Seventeen children previously deported to Russia have been returned to Ukraine.

Good reads:

  • As part of Biden’s visit, an announcement is expected on the Safe Third Country Agreement and Roxham Road (a deeper look at that situation is here).
  • Justin Trudeau is considering a response to Uganda passing anti-LGBTQ legislation.
  • Surprising nobody, Trudeau stayed in the $6000 hotel room during the Queen’s funeral, and the only scandal is that they just didn’t admit it outright.
  • The Canadian Press got their share of budget leaks from Senior Government Sources™, both with their green promises, and a bid to tackle “junk fees.”
  • Fisheries officials are defending their decision to close open-net Atlantic salmon farms in BC, as they pose risks to the local wild Pacific salmon.
  • The CRTC is looking into the recent price hikes of wireless roaming charges, as they are falling in other countries.
  • The Supreme Court of Canada restored the conviction of impaired driving saying that while the police traffic stop was unlawful, the offense was too serious to ignore.
  • MPs voted unanimously to address the needs of people with invisible disabilities as part of their national housing strategy.
  • Pierre Poilievre made his address to the Formerly-Known-As-The-Manning-Conference, calling on Conservatives to champion “ordinary” people.
  • Jagmeet Singh says he has no plans to trigger an election over the foreign interference allegations.
  • Ontario released a budget that sends big and promises more money for healthcare (but they keep under-spending on health, so promised money means little).
  • The Alberta Legislature wrapped up its session in advance of the May 29th election.
  • Kevin Carmichael reads through the released minutes of the Bank of Canada’s most recent rate decision and points to it’s interesting conclusions.
  • Shannon Proudfoot delivers a sketch of Stephen Harper’s keynote address to the Formerly-Known-As-The-Manning-Conference.
  • David Mastracci gives a close read of the Global allegations around Dong and raises some very good questions about the quality of the reporting therein.

Odds and ends:

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2 thoughts on “Roundup: No actionable intelligence?”

  1. Dong says he is preparing to sue Global. I hope he obliterates them in the courts and Sam Pooper Scooper ends up disgraced, broke, or behind bars.

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