Foreign interference: LeBlanc addresses Johnston resignation, plans for new special rapporteur

Following the resignation of special rapporteur David Johnston, after weeks of scrutiny over what opposition parties called a conflict of interest, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc spoke on Friday, saying Johnston's decision to step aside was due to a "toxic partisan climate" created largely "by the Conservative Party."

LeBlanc also discussed the possibility of appointing a replacement special rapporteur, a task which he revealed would require consulting with experts, legal scholars, and even the aforementioned opposition parties.

Johnston, who was chosen by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, resigned from his position on June 9. The House of Commons last week passed a non-binding resolution calling for the former Governor General to step down over the “appearance of bias” regarding foreign interference.