House Approves Foreign Interference Bill with Unanimous Vote, Moves to Senate
It also updates the CSIS act to modernize the legislation for the digital age.
The bill introduces criminal offences to facilitate the prosecution of cases involving foreign interference aimed at the diaspora, as well as criminalizes the inappropriate sharing of military technology and knowledge.
Furthermore, it introduces a new criminal offence to prevent foreign interference in Canada’s political processes, including party nomination contests.
Related Stories
The legislation also criminalizes sabotage of essential infrastructure.
The Liberal government introduced the legislation on May 6 shortly after the ongoing Foreign Interference Commission released its interim report, which highlighted China’s significant role in interfering in Canada. The commission’s report on May 3 stated that while foreign interference may not have directly affected the outcome of recent federal elections, it has eroded trust in the country’s democratic institutions.
The commission was established in response to numerous intelligence leaks concerning China’s interference in Canadian elections and other aspects of society.
The issue has remained a prominent topic in the House of Commons, with the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) recently reporting that some lawmakers have been involved in foreign interference activities.
“I am more convinced than ever of the conclusions of the NSICOP committee and the report that some parliamentarians are, in the words of the intelligence services, ’semi-witting or witting’ participants in the efforts of foreign states to interfere in our politics,” Mr. Singh told reporters.
This reaction contrasts with that of Green Party Co-Leader Elizabeth May, who stated that she had “no worries about anyone in the House of Commons” after reviewing the report this week.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for the government to publicly disclose the names of the implicated lawmakers. He has declined to seek clearance to read the unredacted report, citing the desire to have unrestricted ability to inform Canadians.
The Liberal government maintains that it cannot disclose the names due to confidentiality protocols when intelligence is involved.
MPs have voted to refer the NSICOP findings to the Foreign Interference Commission.
Matthew Horwood contributed to this report.
