Authors: Gefen Shpil, Jeremiah Lim

Senior Editor: Amyn Dehal

Good morning. Recently, the federal government appoints Quebec Court of Appeal Judge Marie-Josée Hogue to lead a public inquiry into foreign interference in canada’s elections.

The Long Anticipated Public Inquiry: Lifting the Veil on Foreign Influence in Elections

After months of continued pressure from opposition parties and the public, the federal government has agreed to launch a public inquiry into the potential roles played by foreign entities like China and Russia in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Quebec Court of Appeals Judge Marie-Josée Hogue has been selected to lead the public inquiry.

— Gefen Shpil

The Inquiry and Judge Hogue’s Role

The inquiry will be comprised of two initial reports, the first set to be released on February 29, 2024 and a final report due by the end of that year. Although this has been labelled a public inquiry, Judge Hogue and her team will also be holding closed-door meetings to hear classified information that may be relevant to their investigation.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has stated that both the government and opposition parties will support Hogue with any resources she requires. However, some national security experts have voiced concerns over the short timeline of the initial report and questioned if it gives Hogue enough time to be briefed on classified information and conduct her investigation.

The issue of foreign interference has plagued the Trudeau government over the last several months, with reports that diplomats from Beijing implemented a campaign to re-elect the Liberal government and targeted Conservative MPs who were critical of the Chinese Government.

The Future of Canadian Elections: Protecting Our Democracy

Following the initial reports from the Globe & Mail earlier this year and the leaked reports from CSIS, discussions have sparked between the government, opposition, and national security experts regarding the measures needed to protect our future elections.

In addition to the inquiry, the government has announced their intentions to enhance national security reviews of foreign investments and coordinating diplomatic responses with allies. With the next election scheduled for 2025, will these measures be enough to ensure the integrity of our democracy?

Tragedy Strikes in Libya

Heavy rainfall caused by Storm Daniel has resulted in catastrophic flooding in northeastern Libya. Flash floods catalyzed the collapse of two dams near Derna, leading to a quarter of one of the country’s largest cities being wiped out.

-Jeremiah Lim

Prelude to Disaster 

Libya’s infrastructure, already strained due to years of conflict, was overwhelmed when faced with the torrential rainfall – a destructive 400 mm of rain over 24 hours – that triggered the floods. Facing less than an average of 1.5 mm of precipitation throughout the whole of September, the country’s drainage systems were beyond ill-prepared, leading to widespread flooding in various areas. Inadequate maintenance and lack of investments in infrastructure further exacerbated the situation, leaving communities vulnerable to the devastating effects of the flood.

“The human toll is enormous.”

As of September 14th, at least 11,300 individuals are now estimated to have tragically lost their lives following the devastating torrents of water that swept through Libya. In the wake of the disaster, several countries, including Egypt, the UAE, Turkey, Italy, and Algeria, have stepped up to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Libya.

The arrival of support has provided a glimmer of hope for the flood-stricken communities. Emergency supplies such as shelter, food, clean water, and medical assistance are being quickly dispatched to those in need. However, the scale of the disaster extends far beyond immediate humanitarian needs. Looking forward, rebuilding and recovery will require immense sustained support and collaboration from the international community.

Tragedy in Morocco and How Geopolitics is Affecting Foreign Aid Access

Just over 6 months after the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated Turkey earlier this year, yet another tragedy strikes just west in Morocco. The earthquake left at least 2900 dead and 2500 injured, impacting the western side of the country, leaving homes destroyed and families separated across villages and larger cities like Marrakesh.

— Gefen Shphil

Details of the Tragedy and Impact

The damage done to roads has amplified the danger of the situation, with limited access to relief resources like food in the disaster zone. With the 72 hour window for search and rescue efforts after such an earthquake now closed, search and rescue efforts continue to assist victims and in relocation efforts. Dr. Malcolm Russel, the medical director of UK Search and Rescue has been on the ground in Morocco since the first day working alongside his team to search for survivors. Eyewitness testimony from Russel and others participating in relief efforts have been horrifying with entire villages like Imi N'Tala being completely wiped off the map.

Relief cities have been opened up across the country, with food, water, and clothes being distributed to displaced victims of the earthquake. Individuals with vehicles in remote villages have also been assisting those injured by the earthquake and conducting transports to hospitals in cities like Marrakesh.

Foreign Aid Efforts and Lack of Action by the Moroccan Government

Even with foreign aid and relief teams being sent out from the UK, victims of the earthquake have expressed frustration with the Moroccan government remaining relatively quiet considering the displacement of thousands of their citizens.

Others have questioned whether Morocco’s reluctance to accept other foreign aid may be fueled by geopolitics. Both French diplomats and the US Secretary of State have expressed that despite offers to send foreign aid, they have yet to hear from the Moroccan government.

📞Word on the Street

• Hurricane Lee headed towards the east coasts of Canada and the United States.

• Trudeau speaks on plan to combat inflation.

• Abandoned spacecraft may be causing “moonquakes”.

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