RCMP Endorses Establishment of Foreign Agent Registry: Report
The RCMP, in a government memo, stated that the creation of a public registry listing the names of foreign agents would be a valuable tool.
The federal policing agency mentioned in a 2023 ministerial briefing obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter that a foreign agent registry would be valuable for Canadians as it would ensure that foreign actors undertaking certain activities are operating in the interests of the Canadian public.
The memo also highlighted that foreign actor interference can threaten Canada’s public safety, including state-backed harassment and intimidation of individuals, as well as Canada’s economic interests.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requested the Department of Public Safety to assess the feasibility of a foreign registry last spring, but legislation has not yet been introduced in the House of Commons.
Canada’s lack of a foreign agent registry contrasts with some of its closest allies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, all of which have implemented similar legislation.
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Public Safety Canada highlighted the challenge of foreign interference in Canada, mentioning that unclear labeling of state-backed communications could misdirect citizens or pollute the general media and information environment.
The ongoing foreign interference inquiry has revealed attempts by the Chinese regime to influence Canada’s federal elections in 2019 and 2021.
