The commissioner of the public inquiry into foreign interference says she’s begun her work and public hearings will be held next year.

Justice Marie-Josee Hogue will first focus on allegations of meddling by China, Russia and other foreign actors, and any impact that might have had on the last two federal elections.

The inquiry is also planning to investigate how the flow of information within the federal government worked when it came to such accusations.

The other phase will focus on Ottawa’s capacity to detect and counter foreign interference.

Hogue says she’ll do her best to strike the ”difficult balance” between transparency and the need to protect national security.

She expects to provide more information about the process when the inquiry website is launched November 10, along with a call for applications from individuals and groups interested in participating.

Public hearings are expected as part of both phases of the inquiry, which could happen early next year as well as next fall, ahead of a final report deadline in December 2024.