Universite de Montreal keeping donation linked to Chinese government influence effort
The University of Montreal says it will hold donations from two Chinese businessmen suspected of a Chinese government conspiracy to influence Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The University of Montreal said it could not confirm allegations by an unnamed national security source reported in The Globe and Mail that the donation was part of an operation of political interference.
The university said it would be difficult to return the money and could violate tax laws.
The school received $550,000 of the $800,000 pledged in 2016 to establish a scholarship fund and erect a statue of the late Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
According to today’s news release from the university, only four scholarships have been awarded from donations, and the current fund balance (approximately $507,000) will be used for other purposes.
Last week, the chairman and board of directors of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation resigned, citing donations related to what it purported to be influential activities.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on April 20, 2023.
