Canadian Senator Denise Batters has raised concerns about the political power and influence of the Trudeau Foundation, a charity named after former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Batters argues that the foundation, which was initially granted $125 million in government funding, has become a hub for foreign cash and a source of political power within the current government. She claims that the foundation’s connections and appointments to prominent positions help to maintain the Liberal government in office.
According to Batters, the Trudeau Foundation has alumni and affiliates who have provided political cover for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during various scandals. These individuals include Senator Peter Harder, former head of the Canada China Business Council, and Anne McLellan, a former Liberal cabinet minister who was also appointed as a special advisor in the SNC-Lavalin scandal. These individuals are seen as reliable allies who are called upon to defend Trudeau in times of controversy.
Batters argues that the influx of foreign funds into the Trudeau Foundation raises concerns about foreign influence on Canadian politics. She highlights the significant donations that have come from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has been involved in issues such as operating police stations on Canadian soil and allegations of espionage. Batters suggests that this foreign funding allows external entities to exert influence on Canadian democracy.
The senator also accuses Trudeau of ignoring advice about foreign interference in Canadian elections. She claims that he relied on his connections within the Trudeau Foundation to dismiss concerns about foreign meddling. Former CEO Morris Rosenburg was tapped to investigate foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 elections and concluded that there was nothing to worry about. Batters argues that this reliance on the Trudeau Foundation for advice raises questions about the foundation’s role in managing political issues.
In summary, Senator Batters believes that the Trudeau Foundation has transformed into a vehicle for political power and influence over the prime minister. She raises concerns about the connections between prominent figures within the foundation and the infiltration of foreign funds, particularly from the CCP. These concerns blur the lines between the Canadian government and external entities, raising questions about the integrity of Canadian democracy.
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