Canada Appoints Foreign Interference Inquiry Judge Marie‑Josee Hogue as New Deputy Minister of Justice

Marie‑Josee Hogue has been named Canada’s new Deputy Minister of Justice. She will also serve as Deputy Attorney General. The appointment was announced by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday in Ottawa. Hogue earlier led Canada’s major inquiry into foreign interference.

Her move into the federal justice ministry marks a major shift inside the government. It reflects Prime Minister Mark Carney’s effort to rebuild trust in national institutions. Her appointment comes during Canada’s wider overhaul of senior civil service roles.

Marie‑Josee Hogue Appointment Signals New Direction in Canada’s Justice Ministry

Hogue previously served as a Puisne Judge on the Court of Appeal of Quebec. She led the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions. According to Reuters, the final report was released in January.

The report found that China was the most active foreign actor in Canadian elections. It also stated that India was the second most active. Other countries mentioned included Russia, Pakistan, and Iran.

The inquiry said India believed Canada did not address its concerns over Khalistani extremism. It noted that Canadian intelligence services accepted that India had some legitimate security concerns. It stated that some extremists in Canada coordinated and funded violence in India.

India rejected the report. Officials in New Delhi dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs said the insinuations were unacceptable.

Hogue’s appointment comes at a time of improved ties between India and Canada. Relations began to warm after Carney took office in March. He met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis in June. The leaders later met again at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg.

Both sides agreed to restart talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Those talks are expected early next year. Senior Canadian ministers have also visited India in recent months.

How Hogue’s New Role Could Shape Canada’s Policy on Foreign Interference

Hogue will now oversee legal policy and federal justice operations. Her inquiry exposed gaps in Canada’s response to foreign interference risks. Her new role could change how the government handles national security and election protection.

Her move may also strengthen coordination between the justice ministry and security agencies. For many Canadians, the inquiry raised concerns about democratic stability. The government hopes her leadership will calm those fears and create stricter safeguards.

India‑Canada ties also remain sensitive. Her appointment may influence future discussions on foreign interference. It may also shape how Canada manages diaspora politics and external security concerns.

The appointment of Marie‑Josee Hogue marks a major shift in Canada’s justice system. Her experience with foreign interference gives the government a new voice on national security. This move is expected to shape how Canada handles foreign interference for years to come.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Marie‑Josee Hogue?

She is a former Puisne Judge of the Court of Appeal of Quebec. She led Canada’s major inquiry into foreign interference. She is now Canada’s Deputy Minister of Justice and Deputy Attorney General.

Q2: Why was she appointed?

The government wants stronger oversight on national security and justice issues. Her experience with the foreign interference inquiry made her a key choice. The appointment is part of a wider civil service reshuffle.

Q3: What did the foreign interference report say?

The report said China was the most active in Canada’s elections. It listed India as the second most active. It also mentioned Russia, Pakistan, and Iran.

Q4: Did India respond?

India rejected the report. Officials said the claims were false and politically motivated. India denied any interference in Canadian affairs.

Q5: How are Canada‑India relations now?

Relations have improved since Mark Carney became prime minister. Both sides met at major global summits. Trade talks are expected to restart next year.