Canada: Federal ministers scrum on foreign interference allegations, Alberta oilsands leak – March 9, 2023

Ministers speak with reporters on Parliament Hill as the federal cabinet holds its weekly meeting. The prime minister asked about reports that Canada rejected a visa for a Chinese diplomat in 2022 due to foreign interference concerns. He also responds to a question about the RCMP launching an investigation into alleged "police stations" in Montreal and Brossard that are operated by the Chinese government.
Government House Leader Mark Holland faces questions about the government's response to alleged foreign interference in Canadian federal elections, and about leaked security documents on foreign interference.
François-Philippe Champagne (industry) and Jean-Yves Duclos (health) are asked about the alleged Chinese police stations in Quebec.
Steven Guilbeault (environment) comments on the Alberta Energy Regulator's failure to notify the federal government about a leak of toxic tailings water from an oilsands mine in the province until months after the spill began.
Patty Hajdu (Indigenous services) discusses her objections to a comment made the previous day during question period by a Conservative MP that she says undermined the presence of women in the House of Commons. The minister is also asked about the pay equity dispute involving the Canadian women's national soccer team.
Pascale St-Onge (sport) responds to questions about the parliamentary committee appearance later in the day by four members of the women's soccer team. The minister is also asked about the calls from retired Canadian Olympians for the Canadian Olympic Committee to withdraw its support of possibly allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals at the 2024 Olympic Games unless Russia ends its invasion of Ukraine.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor (official languages) is asked about the debate over changing the name of the Université de Moncton in New Brunswick.
Holland comments on proposed Senate amendments to Bill C-11, the government's Online Streaming Act.