The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has unveiled two new instances of foreign interference in Canadian politics during the ongoing public inquiry into election meddling. The revelations include a foreign government’s attempt to have a Liberal candidate defeated and suspicions that a former parliamentarian may have influenced parliamentary business on behalf of another country.
While the countries involved in the latest examples were not named, CSIS officials confirmed that China remains the most active in trying to interfere in Canada’s affairs, followed by India. They also warned that tensions in the Middle East could prompt Iran to attempt interference in Canada’s next federal election.
These new disclosures are part of an inquiry into foreign interference that has already documented several cases of meddling. Among the examples previously made public are:
- Pakistan’s efforts to “clandestinely influence Canadian federal politics” to further its own interests.
- A 2021 pre-election briefing for the Liberal Party and a post-election briefing for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on foreign interference activities.
- Active foreign government support for a candidate in the 2019 Liberal nomination race in Don Valley North, with allegations that the Chinese consulate in Toronto organized busloads of students to vote for Han Dong.
- India’s suspected use of proxy agents to provide financial support to candidates from three political parties during a federal election. However, it remains unclear whether the funds were received or if the candidates were aware of their source.
These findings continue to shed light on the growing concerns surrounding foreign interference in Canada’s political processes as CSIS warns of further risks in the upcoming elections.