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No harm to national security due to Dechert emails: security officials

Government investigation concludes security not compromised by amorous emails

An internal government investigation into the Bob Dechert affair has concluded that the Conservative MP did not breach national security when exchanging amorous emails with a correspondent for the Xinhua news agency, which reports directly to the Chinese government. CTV News reported Monday that the RCMP and the CSIS have found no evidence suggesting Dechert’s behaviour has compromised national security. Still, one security official told the broadcaster that Dechert displayed a “colossal lack of judgment,” and that he was “incredibly stupid,” for getting involved with Xinhua reporter Shi Rong. Dechert, MP for Mississuaga-Erindale, is parliamentary secretary to Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird. Earlier this month, several emails he sent to Shi were made public. In them, the MP describes Shi as “cute” and expresses his love for her. Dechert later apologized for the “flirtatious” messages, saying his relationship with Shi was nothing more than an “innocent friendship.”

CTV News

 

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