A recent report has raised alarms about foreign interference in Canada, particularly from the People’s Republic of China. The findings, released in early 2025 by Judge Marie-Josée Hogue’s Public Inquiry Into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions, describe this interference as an “existential threat” to Canadian democracy. Among the provinces, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) has emerged as a focal point for these concerns.

On October 8, a gathering in Ottawa brought together journalists, researchers, intelligence experts, and former officials to discuss the implications of this report. Participants included former solicitor general Wayne Easter, who highlighted the potential risks posed by Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-affiliated organizations operating in P.E.I. The discussions revealed alarming evidence of money laundering, illegal land acquisitions, and what some are calling “elite capture,” all linked to the CCP.

Easter, along with former CSIS intelligence officer Michel Juneau-Katsuya and former RCMP investigator Garry Clement, expressed concerns that P.E.I. could serve as a “forward operating base” for the CCP. The consensus among attendees was that a national inquiry is necessary to fully understand the extent of Beijing’s influence on the island.

The situation in P.E.I. is particularly complex, centering around a group known as Bliss and Wisdom. This organization operates five large buildings and controlled-access compounds in eastern P.E.I., housing numerous Buddhist monks and nuns. The group, led by Zhen-Ru, an unordained layperson with alleged ties to Beijing, claims to follow Tibetan Buddhist traditions. However, the Dalai Lama does not recognize Zhen-Ru.

Despite local pressure, including from historian David Weale, the provincial government and other stakeholders have largely avoided addressing the activities of Bliss and Wisdom. However, in February, following significant public outcry, the P.E.I. government announced an investigation into the group’s land purchases. Additionally, the regulatory commission responsible for land transactions was ordered to release findings from a previously completed investigation from 2018.

On October 8, a significant revelation occurred when the regulatory commission admitted, under subpoena, that no report had been produced from the 2018 investigation, contradicting earlier claims. In response, P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz requested the RCMP to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of foreign interference and money laundering, stating that Islanders “deserve answers.”

Shortly after, the RCMP disclosed that it had previously investigated claims of money laundering and foreign interference in P.E.I. but found them to be unfounded. However, the RCMP indicated that it would review these past findings due to new information. This announcement has left many Islanders puzzled, particularly regarding the lack of prior communication about these investigations and the absence of interviews with key witnesses.

The unfolding situation has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and suspicion in P.E.I. As calls for a federal inquiry grow louder, the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these serious allegations becomes increasingly urgent. Islanders, along with all Canadians, are seeking clarity on the extent of foreign influence in their communities.