Thanks, Madam Chair.
Ms. McCuaig-Johnston, I have to admit that I'm a little bit concerned about a comment you made in relation to misinformation having potentially swayed as many as 3,500 votes in the last election. I don't think that you'd necessarily be in a position to really verify that it had any impact on voting behaviour in the last election.
We all recognize that China...even though it's difficult at times to establish where disinformation and misinformation campaigns originate. I think that is a very commonly cited concern or challenge that security and intelligence individuals identify. They say it's very tough for them to trace back to a source where these are originating from.
What's interesting is that there's been some really detailed research done by the media observatory, which I've reviewed. They've done a project on misinformation and disinformation. These are the top experts across Canada who have come together. It's a government-funded initiative, prior to the election. They've analyzed pre- and post-election data and done surveys. It's a very detailed data analysis of information that was circulating in the last election, specifically with regard to Kenny Chiu's riding, for example. I have the report here in front of me. I won't quote it, because I think I'm limited for time. They said that there has been no impact on voter intentions in comparing pre- and post-election data.
It just strikes me as really hard to accept your testimony today. You've indicated that swaying 3,500 votes was very possible. It's not remotely possible, based on the evidence and data that's been cited by experts, who I think are far more qualified, to be honest, than yourself. I don't mean to offend, but I had to say that. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam Chair. It's just a comment.