Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz has urged the federal RCMP and Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency to promptly and openly investigate claims of foreign intervention and money laundering linked to specific Buddhist organizations on the island. The premier’s call for further scrutiny follows statements made during a recent press conference in Ottawa by a former solicitor general and a former RCMP superintendent, hinting at potential grounds for a criminal inquiry.
Expressing concern about the unsettling impact of the allegations on Islanders, Lantz emphasized the need for clarity and separating truth from speculation. In letters addressed to RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme and FINTRAC CEO Sarah Paquet, the premier’s office highlighted longstanding suspicions surrounding two particular Buddhist groups in eastern P.E.I.
The letters underscored the gravity of the accusations, including references to claims of covert foreign interference and suggestions of Prince Edward Island acting as a base for the Chinese Communist Party. Stressing the importance of a thorough investigation through established legal processes, the correspondence emphasized the significance of addressing these serious allegations responsibly.
GEBIS, one of the organizations under scrutiny, welcomed the call for investigation, expressing relief at steps toward transparency and cooperation with authorities. The Town of Three Rivers, where the groups are situated, also voiced support for the federal inquiry, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public trust in democratic institutions and land ownership integrity.
Amid growing concerns and calls for investigation, Minister of Economic Development, Innovation, and Trade Darlene Compton highlighted the need for federal intervention, acknowledging the limits of provincial jurisdiction in addressing the issue. Premier Lantz reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with federal agencies for a comprehensive investigation, urging patience and trust in the process to provide clarity to Islanders.