Proposed Bill Includes Foreign Influence Registry as Tool

The Liberal government has introduced new legislation aimed at combating interference from foreign entities in Canada. The bill, tabled in the House of Commons, includes provisions to strengthen criminal offenses, enhance information sharing, and establish a foreign influence transparency registry.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc emphasized the importance of protecting Canada’s democracy from those seeking to undermine it for their own gain. The legislation introduces targeted foreign interference offenses, such as covertly influencing political processes or aiding foreign agents in entering the country under false pretenses.

Additionally, the bill addresses foreign intimidation of diaspora communities, sabotage of essential infrastructure, and the disclosure of sensitive information by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to combat foreign meddling.

One key aspect of the legislation is the creation of a foreign influence transparency registry, requiring individuals with ties to foreign states to register with the government. An independent commissioner would oversee the registry, enforcing compliance through fines and criminal penalties.

The bill also includes measures to enhance CSIS’s investigative capabilities, improve data collection, and streamline processes for protecting sensitive information in legal proceedings. These efforts come in response to a recent federal inquiry that found no significant impact of foreign interference on past elections.

While the Business Council of Canada praised the bill for enhancing communication between CSIS and businesses, the International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group raised concerns about potential impacts on civil liberties. The group highlighted the need for scrutiny of the bill’s broad-reaching provisions, which they argue could infringe on the rights of Canadians.

Overall, the new legislation represents a comprehensive effort to safeguard Canada’s democracy and national security against foreign interference, while also sparking debate about the balance between security measures and individual freedoms.