Chair of National Security Committee warns that Canadian Media is vulnerable to foreign interference

Foreign actors are attempting to disrupt the Canadian media, and journalists and their superiors must remain vigilant, warned the chairman of Parliament’s national security committee on June 12.

All types of media, including mainstream outlets, are facing interference from malicious actors, according to Liberal MP David McGuinty.

Mr. McGuinty stated that he is unable to provide specific details as the information is classified.

A recent review by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, which Mr. McGuinty leads, singled out the media as a target of interference.

The review revealed that China and India are influencing Canadian media content through direct interactions with journalists and media executives.

“Foreign interference is evident in the media, and our reviews have consistently highlighted this issue,” Mr. McGuinty told reporters on June 12.

Related Stories

“You should read it and share it with your owners and editors.”

The latest report reveals instances of China funding media articles anonymously, sponsoring media trips to China, pressuring journalists to retract articles, and creating fake social media accounts to spread misinformation.

Additionally, the report explains how India has established a network of contacts to engage in interference activities involving journalists, ethnocultural community members, and MPs.

Based on classified intelligence, the redacted report may not provide a complete picture and may lack solid evidence.

The 2019 report from the committee outlines that states like China and India target Canada to exploit its open society and infiltrate institutions to achieve their goals. This includes manipulating the media, which poses a significant threat to the rights and freedoms of Canadians and the sovereignty of the country.