Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz has urged the federal RCMP and Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency to conduct immediate and transparent investigations into accusations of foreign interference and money laundering involving specific Buddhist groups on the island. His call for further scrutiny follows recent statements during a press conference in Ottawa by a former solicitor general and an ex-RCMP superintendent, who hinted at the existence of information that could warrant a criminal probe, urging the federal RCMP to review any potential evidence.

In letters released on Thursday by the premier’s office to RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme and FINTRAC CEO Sarah Paquet, Lantz and Housing, Land, and Communities Minister Cory Deagle requested federal agencies to look into long-standing allegations surrounding two particular Buddhist groups in eastern P.E.I. The letters highlighted concerns about the groups’ activities and hinted at claims that Prince Edward Island may have been used as a base for the Chinese Communist Party.

GEBIS, one of the organizations under scrutiny, welcomed the investigation, emphasizing its commitment to cooperating fully with the authorities. The town where these groups are situated, Three Rivers, expressed support for the federal investigation, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions and land ownership integrity.

Minister Darlene Compton voiced concerns about the allegations and emphasized the necessity of a federal investigation, given the limitations of provincial powers in addressing Islanders’ questions. Premier Lantz emphasized the importance of allowing the investigative process to unfold, reassuring Islanders that the government is dedicated to collaborating with federal authorities to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and provide clarity on the matter.