Recently released records reveal that two scientists at Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory lost their jobs due to security breaches and failure to disclose ties with China. The scientists, a husband and wife duo, were found to have mishandled sensitive material and information, leading to the revocation of their security clearances in 2019.
The documents indicate that the scientists, Xiangguo Qiu and Keding Cheng, were suspected of potential coercion or exploitation by a foreign entity, prompting concerns about their loyalty to Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service reported that Qiu had repeatedly lied about her connections with Chinese government institutions and refused to acknowledge her involvement in various Chinese programs.
The release of over 600 pages of records has raised questions about the scientists' activities and their abrupt dismissal from the laboratory in 2019. The documents suggest that the scientists' lack of transparency regarding their interactions with Chinese entities posed a significant security risk.
The Canadian government's investigation into the matter has strained relations with China, as suspicions of foreign interference in Canadian elections have also surfaced. The scientists, who have not publicly commented on the issue, are reportedly in China.
The documents reveal that Cheng allowed unauthorized individuals to access laboratory facilities and failed to prevent the removal of sensitive materials. Investigators expressed concerns about Cheng's lack of transparency regarding his collaborations with individuals from the People’s Republic of China.
Health Minister Mark Holland acknowledged the lax adherence to security protocols at the laboratory but emphasized that no national secrets were compromised. He highlighted the need for a more rigorous approach to safeguarding sensitive information and preventing foreign interference.
