Authorities project that it will take one year to establish the Foreign Influence Registry.
Federal government officials have stated that it will take an additional year for a foreign influence registry to become operational once legislation is passed.
Officials from the Department of Public Safety appeared before the House of Commons public safety committee on May 30 to discuss Bill C-70, which was introduced by the government on May 6. The bill, titled “Act respecting countering foreign interference,” aims to establish a foreign influence registry and includes various other measures.
While the Conservatives have generally opposed the Liberal’s legislative agenda, they are supporting Bill C-70 and are committed to expediting its adoption. However, Tory MPs have expressed concerns that the foreign influence registry may not be ready by the scheduled federal election in October 2025.
MP Michael Cooper criticized the government for delays in the process, noting that the bill was introduced shortly after the Foreign Interference Commission’s interim report on May 3. He expressed concern that the timeline for implementing the foreign influence registry may not align with the upcoming election.
The interim report from the Foreign Interference Commission indicated that while foreign interference did not significantly impact past elections, there were concerns about its effects on individual ridings. Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue stated that foreign interference had an impact on the overall election ecosystem in 2019 and 2021.
During the committee hearing, Richard Bilodeau from Public Safety Canada mentioned that it would take about a year for the registry to be operational after enactment. He cited the need to develop regulations, IT infrastructure, investigative capabilities, and hire a commissioner.
Conservatives attempted to speed up the adoption of the bill through a motion in the House on May 29, aiming to have MPs review the bill and approve it by June 12. However, this motion was opposed by the NDP.
When questioned about the timeline for setting up the registry, Public Safety Associate Assistant Deputy Minister Sébastien Aubertin-Giguère mentioned the possibility of accelerating the process. Tory MP Doug Shipley expressed disbelief at the lengthy timeline, comparing it to the faster pace of the private sector.
Mr. Cooper highlighted that further delays in implementing the registry could arise from the need for a cabinet order-in-council to establish it. Mr. Bilodeau confirmed that there were no restrictions in the legislation preventing the government from issuing this order in council.
