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HomeCANADAMinisters Ruby Sahota and David McGuinty unveil new measures to combat foreign...

Ministers Ruby Sahota and David McGuinty unveil new measures to combat foreign interference in Canada

28 January, 2025: The Honourable Ruby Sahota, Minister of Democratic Institutions, and the Honourable David McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety, expressed their gratitude to Commissioner Hogue and her team for their comprehensive work on the Commission’s Final Report.

The Public Inquiry was established through unanimous agreement among all political parties, with a clear mandate to examine foreign interference in Canada’s democratic processes. Over the past 18 months, the Commission reviewed thousands of classified documents, including cabinet confidences, and engaged with experts, government officials, diaspora communities, and academics. This extensive investigation has significantly enhanced Canada’s understanding of the evolving threats to its democratic institutions.

The Final Report confirmed that the 2019 and 2021 federal elections were free and fair. However, it highlighted the growing and continuous threat from foreign actors attempting to destabilize Canadian democracy. The government has welcomed these findings and emphasized the importance of safeguarding Canadians’ trust in democratic processes.

To address these challenges, the Government of Canada is implementing key measures to bolster election integrity:

  • $44 million, starting in 2025-26, with $9.8 million ongoing, for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer to strengthen investigative capacity against threats like foreign interference and disinformation.
  • $27.5 million, starting in 2025-26, for Canadian Heritage’s Digital Citizen Initiative to enhance public resilience against online disinformation.
  • $5.95 million, starting in 2024-25, for Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism to monitor and defend against foreign interference in Canada’s open-source information ecosystem.

Additionally, the passage of Bill C-70, An Act Respecting Countering Foreign Interference, introduces critical measures, including the criminalization of interference activities, improved information-sharing, and the establishment of a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry. A newly issued mandate letter for the National Security and Intelligence Advisor further strengthens coordination among Canada’s security agencies.

The government has reiterated its commitment to adapting to evolving threats and protecting Canadian democracy. Initiatives like the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol (CEIPP), the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, and the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism will continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding future elections.

In a world of increasing threats to electoral integrity, the Government of Canada is resolute in defending the trust of its citizens and preserving the country’s democratic foundations for generations to come.

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