FOG BLOG CANADA POLITICS LOG: DAVID JOHNSTON , FORMER GOVERNOR GENERAL, PICKED AS SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR

Trudeau picks former governor general David Johnston to probe election meddling claims

Johnston was appointed governor general by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has tapped former governor general David Johnston to investigate claims that China meddled in Canada's last two elections.

Trudeau said last week that he would name an "eminent" and independent person as a special rapporteur on election interference. He said the special rapporteur "will have a wide mandate and make expert recommendations on combating interference and strengthening our democracy."

Johnston was appointed governor general in 2010 by then-Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He held that role until 2017.

• Trudeau admits he hasn't heeded intelligence watchdog's recommendations in the past

• Trudeau announces multiple investigations into foreign election interference

Johnston is currently the head of the independent Leaders' Debates Commission an independent body that oversees leaders' debates during federal election campaigns. He will step down from that role to act as the new rapporteur, according to a news release from the Prime Minister's Office [PMO].

"David Johnston brings integrity and a wealth of experience and skills, and I am confident that he will conduct an impartial review to ensure all necessary steps are being taken to keep our democracy safe and uphold and strengthen confidence in it," Trudeau said in a media statement Wednesday.