Prince Edward Island Premier Rob Lantz is urging the federal RCMP and Canada’s anti-money-laundering agency to launch immediate and transparent inquiries into claims of foreign intervention and money laundering involving specific Buddhist entities on the island. Lantz’s plea for further scrutiny follows statements made last week during a press briefing on Parliament Hill by a former solicitor general and a former RCMP superintendent, implying the existence of information warranting a criminal probe and urging the federal RCMP to assess any potential evidence.
In response to the unsettling concerns raised among Islanders, Lantz emphasized the importance of addressing the questions and providing clarity. The premier’s office released two letters addressed to RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme and Financial Transactions Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) CEO Sarah Paquet, urging the federal agencies to investigate longstanding allegations surrounding two specific Buddhist groups in eastern P.E.I.
Concerns primarily revolve around the activities of these Buddhist groups and their connections in the province, with additional claims suggesting that Prince Edward Island has been utilized as a base for the Chinese Communist Party. These allegations are deemed serious and necessitate scrutiny by relevant federal departments and agencies to verify any factual basis, emphasizing the importance of handling such matters through established legal processes.
The Great Enlightenment Buddhist Institute Society (GEBIS) and the Great Wisdom Buddhist Institute (GWBI) have been singled out for having substantial land holdings in eastern P.E.I., sparking years of speculation and debate. Critics argue that external land acquisitions inflate property costs disproportionately and could hinder future residents’ ability to afford housing and farming land on the island.
In a statement, GEBIS expressed support for the transparent investigation requested by the provincial government, stating that the organization has faced groundless and damaging accusations for an extended period. Emphasizing cooperation with authorities, GEBIS underscored the necessity of evidence-based investigations rather than unfounded rumors or discriminatory allegations.
The Town of Three Rivers, where the Buddhist organizations are situated, endorsed the call for a federal inquiry, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in preserving public trust in democratic institutions and land ownership integrity.
Minister of Economic Development, Innovation, and Trade Darlene Compton highlighted the community’s concerns over the allegations and emphasized the need for a federal investigation, as provincial capabilities are limited in addressing such complex matters. Premier Lantz echoed the importance of letting the investigative process unfold, underscoring the government’s commitment to collaborating with federal agencies to conduct a comprehensive review and provide clarity to Islanders.
