Foreign meddling didn't affect who formed government in past elections — but inquiry flags 'troubling' events

The public inquiry investigating foreign interference says attempts from other countries to meddle in Canada's past two elections are a "stain" on this country's electoral system, but ultimately did not affect which political party formed government.

"Our systems remain sound," said Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue on Friday.

"Voters were able to case their ballots, their votes were duly registered and counted, and there is nothing to suggest that there was any interference whatsover in this regard."

Her first report, released Friday, said it's possible the results in a small number of ridings were affected by foreign interference, "but this cannot be said with certainty."

However, Hogue said some foreign adversaries have accomplished one of their goals: undermining public confidence in Canadian democracy.

"They succeeded in part in 2019 and 2021 because some Canadians have now reduced trust in Canada's democratic process," said the report.

"This is perhaps the greatest harm Canada has suffered as a result of foreign interference."