OTTAWA — Canada’s election watchdog has concluded that there is no evidence of violations of federal election laws in the 2019 Liberal nomination race in Don Valley North, despite claims of foreign interference. This finding is detailed in the latest annual report from the Commissioner of Canada Elections, Caroline Simard, published last week.

The report addresses two specific instances of alleged foreign interference that were heavily scrutinized during a public inquiry. In both cases, Simard stated that there was “either no evidence or not enough evidence” to support a breach of the Canada Elections Act (CEA).

One of the allegations involved manipulation by the Chinese consulate in Toronto during the nomination race that led to Han Dong's candidacy. Reports from the Foreign Interference Commissioner, Marie-Josée Hogue, and the task force monitoring foreign interference indicated suspicious activities by Chinese authorities that may have influenced the election outcome.

Hogue's report from last year mentioned unverified intelligence suggesting that Chinese students were given “falsified documents” and transported to vote in the nomination election, despite not being residents of the riding. It was also reported that these students faced coercion to vote for Dong, with threats made regarding their student visas and potential repercussions for their families in China.

The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force noted that “PRC officials likely manipulated one of the nomination contests” in Don Valley North, but acknowledged that some allegations remained unconfirmed.

Pierre Verriere, a spokesperson for the commissioner, stated that the office conducted thorough research and analysis before deciding to close the review in February without imposing sanctions. The investigation looked into five potential violations, including voter intimidation and illegal donations, but found insufficient evidence to support any formal action.

“To take formal compliance or enforcement action, the Commissioner must have tangible evidence to substantiate allegations of wrongdoing,” Verriere explained. He added that the office found either no evidence or insufficient evidence for the alleged breaches.

Simard highlighted the limitations of her office's oversight during party nomination races, noting that her mandate is restricted to political financing. She emphasized the challenges of overseeing all nomination races across 343 federal ridings and stated that she lacks the authority to verify intelligence, which formed the basis of many allegations in the Don Valley North case.

Han Dong, who distanced himself from the Liberal caucus amid media scrutiny over these allegations in 2023 and did not seek re-election in 2025, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He recently settled a defamation lawsuit against a media outlet. In a text message, Dong expressed that he was unaware of the closure of the investigation until contacted for comment. He stated, “I have always said that I have always followed the election rules. Unfortunately, my family, my team and I have suffered irreversible harm.” He expressed hope that the conclusion of the investigation would provide closure for voters in Don Valley North and restore confidence in the democratic process.

Additionally, Simard's report addressed another inquiry into allegations of Chinese interference against Conservative candidate Kenny Chiu during the 2021 federal election in the B.C. riding of Steveston–Richmond East. Simard confirmed that her office found insufficient evidence to support claims of “undue foreign influence” or other breaches of the Canada Elections Act.