Government of Canada launches consultation on legislative amendments to counter foreign interference in Canada

November 24, 2023

Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, and the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, launched additional public consultations on foreign interference.

These consultations are based, in part, on the feedback received through Public Safety’s previous consultations to guide the development of a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry (FITR).

One of the main themes that emerged from the feedback received during the previous round of consultations is that a Registry is not a universal solution and should be accompanied by other initiatives to bolster Canada’s response to foreign interference. As such, the consultations the Government of Canada is launching today will also focus on potential legislative amendments to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Criminal Code, the Security of Information Act and the Canada Evidence Act.

Engaging with individuals and communities most affected by foreign interference threats is critical to ensure a wide range of views and expertise is captured in developing enhanced measures. Anyone living in Canada, or Canadians living abroad, are encouraged to share their views through the consultation webpage. Online submissions will be accepted until February 2, 2024.

In addition to the online public consultations, the government will also seek the input of experts, stakeholders and community groups through roundtable discussions in the coming weeks and months.

As the threat of foreign interference evolves, so too must Canada’s response. The Government of Canada continues to consider new and innovative ways to enhance the measures currently in place and explore new approaches to keep pace with the changing threat environment.

Together, we can protect Canadian values, principles, rights and freedoms from those who seek to harm them.