P.E.I. Premier Rob Lantz is calling on the federal RCMP and Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency to begin “immediate and transparent” investigations into allegations of foreign interference and money laundering involving “certain Buddhist groups” on the Island.
Lantz said his calls for further investigation come after comments were made last week during a press conference on Parliament Hill by a former solicitor general and a former RCMP superintendent, who suggested information exists that could warrant a criminal investigation, and urged the federal RCMP to review any potential evidence.
“It really came to a head last week with a press conference in Ottawa. It’s left Islanders unsettled, uneasy with all of these questions and I think they deserve answers,” Lantz said.
“Islanders deserve to have fact and fiction separated here… It’s time to get to the bottom of it.”
On Thursday, the premier’s office released two letters — one sent to RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme and the other to Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) CEO Sarah Paquet. The letters call on the federal agencies to look into allegations that have circulated about two specific Buddhist groups located in eastern P.E.I. for years.
“These allegations primarily center around the activities of certain Buddhist groups and their affiliates operating in the province and build on years of public speculation and uncertainty,” reads the letter to Duheme, signed by Lantz and the newly appointed minister of Housing, Land and Communities, Cory Deagle.
“Equally troubling are suggestions, made by the same individuals, that Prince Edward Island has been used as ‘a forward operating base for the Chinese Communist Party,'” the letter reads.
“These are serious allegations. Claims of clandestine foreign interference must be examined by the relevant federal government departments and agencies, including the RCMP, to determine if there is any factual basis. Islanders expect that such matters be handled responsibly, through established legal processes rather than through speculation.”
“The seriousness of these allegations cannot be overstated,” the letter reads.
“While these allegations remain unverified, their nature warrants careful review by the appropriate federal authorities, including FINTRAC. Islanders are proud of our province’s reputation for transparency, fairness, and community trust. But that trust is now being tested.”
CBC News reached out to the RCMP, which confirmed Lantz’ letter has been received, but no one was made available to comment.
P.E.I. pushing for federal investigation into foreign interference allegations aimed at Buddhist groups
Deagle said he worries things could get worse if the RCMP doesn’t investigate.
“That’s definitely a big concern, that it will just add fuel to the fire, because I feel like people’s trust in institutions has eroded. This is really, I think, a step to help fix that or rectify that,” he said.
In February, the province announced an investigation into land holdings on the Island and pointed to two specific groups — the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute (GWBI) and the Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) — both of which have significant land holdings in eastern P.E.I.
Those land holdings have been the topic of speculation for years. Prince Edward Island encompasses 1.4 million acres, and critics of land acquisitions from outside the province say they increase the cost of land disproportionately and will leave future Island residents unable to afford to buy property for housing and farming.
The province has said the results of that investigation, which is being conducted by the Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, will be made public.
In a statement shared with CBC News on Thursday, GEBIS said the organization “welcomes the provincial government’s request for a transparent investigation by the RCMP and FINTRAC.”
It goes on to say that the group has “endured groundless and harmful allegations” for too long and that it is relieved to see steps being taken toward providing clarity.
GEBIS is committed to fully co-operating with the authorities in this process, the statement said.
“We understand the public’s concern about foreign interference, but such concern cannot justify speculation or unfair accusations against immigrant or faith-based communities. Any investigation must be based on solid evidence, not rumors or discrimination,” the statement reads.
The Town of Three Rivers, where the two Buddhist organizations are located, said in a Facebook post that it supports the call for a federal investigation.
“Council believes these steps are an important demonstration of transparency and accountability,” the post reads. “Public confidence in our democratic institutions and in the integrity of land ownership and economic activity is essential.”
“It’s something I’ve heard for years because there’s a presence in my district,” Darlene Compton, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade and MLA for Belfast-Murray River told CBC News: Compass host Louise Martin. She said she hears from at least two or three people each week who are concerned about the allegations outlined in the premier’s letters.
“I hear from constituents all the time the concern… not just about land use but, where is the money coming from to make the investment they’re making, purchasing the properties.”
She said she’s been pushing for an investigation of this kind for a long time, since there are limits to what the province can do to get answers for Islanders.
Why this P.E.I. MLA says now is the time for a federal investigation into land holdings in her district
“It’s outside of our jurisdiction, a lot of this is under the federal jurisdiction,” Compton said. “I think as a province we just realized it’s probably time. We’ve heard enough allegations, let’s push it forward to the federal government.”
Compton said the most important thing is for Islanders to leave investigating to the authorities.
Lantz agrees.
He said the P.E.I. government is committed to working with federal agencies to complete a thorough investigation and will share any relevant information.
“What I ask of everybody is to let this process play out. I want everyone to feel safe and secure in a warm and welcoming environment, which Prince Edward Island has always been,” Lantz said.
“Let the authorities, who have the madate to do this type of work, do their work and give Islanders some sense of clarity.”
