Foreign interference in Canada has become a pressing concern, with allegations of election-meddling by China, an Indian-backed assassination on Canadian soil, and a campaign to harass Iranian dissidents. These incidents have raised questions about Canada’s vulnerability to foreign interference and the safety of its citizens. In response, a public inquiry has been launched to investigate Beijing’s meddling in Canada, particularly its alleged efforts to influence the country’s federal elections by backing certain candidates.
The allegations of foreign interference have strained relations between Canada and China, with Beijing denying any involvement. However, experts argue that the problem of foreign meddling in Canada goes beyond just China and Russia. They suggest that the country’s political and social infrastructure needs to be restructured to prioritize national security.
One of the key issues identified is the outdated Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) Act, which was designed for the Cold War era. This hampers the operations of Canada’s primary intelligence agency and limits its ability to share information with possible targets of foreign interference. The case of Michael Chong, a Canadian Conservative politician who was allegedly targeted by Beijing, highlights this problem. Despite CSIS monitoring threats against Chong for two years, he only learned about the alleged targeting through media reports. The Canadian government has initiated public consultations to amend the CSIS Act and better inform and protect individuals who could be potential targets.
Canada’s geographic location has contributed to a sense of security and complacency regarding national security. Surrounded by the US and three oceans, the country has not faced direct military threats. However, this has also made it an attractive target for foreign states seeking to influence and disrupt Canadian affairs. In contrast, countries like the US and Australia have been quicker to adopt tools to counter foreign interference, such as establishing registries of foreign agents and criminalizing interference-related acts.
Canada’s multicultural society has also made it vulnerable to foreign interference. Diaspora groups, especially those opposed to their country of origin’s government, have become targets. Iranian-Canadians, for example, have reported being followed and harassed by agents of the Iranian regime. Reporting such incidents to law enforcement agencies like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) can be challenging, as establishing credible criminal or civil cases often requires additional evidence.
The inquiry into foreign interference in Canada, led by Quebec appellate judge Marie-Josée Hogue, will be conducted in two phases and is expected to provide recommendations on deterring future interference. However, concerns have been raised about the inquiry’s short mandate and whether its recommendations will be comprehensive enough. With an upcoming election year, some worry that the implementation of these recommendations may be delayed or hindered by political considerations.
Despite these concerns, experts and former intelligence officials argue that urgent action is needed to address foreign interference in Canada. They emphasize the importance of protecting citizens from interference and ensuring the integrity of elections. The inquiry represents a significant shift in Canada’s approach to these issues and provides an opportunity to strengthen national security measures and safeguard against foreign meddling.
As the inquiry progresses and its recommendations are implemented, it is crucial for Canada to prioritize national security, update relevant legislation, and collaborate with its allies to develop effective strategies against foreign interference. By taking proactive steps, Canada can enhance its resilience to foreign interference and protect its democratic processes and societal harmony.
