Former governor general David Johnston spent over three-hours testifying before a Commons committee into allegations of foreign meddling in the last two federal elections.

”I’ve heard clearly the disagreement with my recommendations not to call a public inquiry, as well as allegations about my integrity and independence, ” he told the standing committee on procedure and House affairs.

”These allegations are quite simply false and the decision to repeat them does not make them true.”

Johnston’s promised to hold public hearings starting next month, adding the public will be able to hear from government representatives, national security officials and members of the diaspora community.

Anyone who fears speaking out publicly because of the possibility of retaliation will have the chance to provide testimony in-camera or can submit information privately. 

Johnston’s final report, due in October, will recommend strengthening Canada’s two intelligence review bodies — the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency.