Chinese-language media in Canada 'under the immense influence' of Beijing, inquiry hears

The inquiry on foreign interference heard claims of China and India deploying tactics to shape the content of narratives about their governments in Canada

OTTAWA — The Chinese community in Canada has long been caught in the crosshairs of political discourse, disinformation and propaganda originating from the Communist Party in Beijing, a media industry veteran told a public inquiry Tuesday.

If Beijing seeks to influence or interfere in Canada’s democratic processes, one of its most effective tools is the Chinese-language media, said Hong Kong-born Victor Ho, who came to Canada in 1997 and worked in newspaper and radio journalism over the years.