The Conservative Party has thrown its support behind a Liberal government bill designed to combat foreign interference, while urging the government to work toward passing the legislation swiftly.
The proposed legislation has also been welcomed by the NDP.
Following public hearings to investigate Beijing’s alleged election interference, the commissioner concluded that “interference occurred in the last two general elections” in Canada. The report also found that foreign meddling had “diminished the ability of some voters to cast an informed vote.”
The proposed legislation follows years of parliamentary efforts to introduce mechanisms enhancing transparency regarding individuals advocating for a foreign entity, as well as other measures to combat foreign interference.
Pointing to past delays in advancing similar legislation, Conservatives are making known their support for the long-awaited Liberal bill.
“Conservatives will work with the Government to ensure this Bill is passed as swiftly as possible. This is essential to restore the confidence that Canadians have in their elections,” Mr. Chong said, referencing Ms. Hogue’s warning that the “risk of foreign interference will only increase as long as ‘sufficient protective measures to guard against it’ are not taken.”
Urgency
Mr. Chong’s call for the bill’s swift passage echoed sentiments previously raised by an advocate, Gloria Fung, president of the Canada-Hong Kong Link. She voiced concerns about the limited time for parliamentarians to pass the legislation before the next federal election and the potential for more interference.
Proposed Measures
The Liberals’ proposed Bill C-70 will enhance measures against foreign interference in Canadian affairs. In addition to creating new offences targeting foreign interference and sabotage of essential infrastructure, the legislation proposes modifications to existing acts.
The changes would allow the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to share sensitive information with non-federal partners to bolster resilience against threats. Amendments to the CSIS Act would expand the agency’s authority to obtain warrants and collect foreign intelligence within Canada.
The bill would also make adjustments to the Security of Information Act, key legislation addressing foreign interference. It would introduce three new offences: general foreign interference against Canada, committing indictable offences on behalf of foreign entities, and interference with democratic processes such as electoral interference.
The bill also proposes amendments to Canada’s Criminal Code to enhance the legal response to acts of sabotage. These changes include the creation of a new sabotage offence related to essential infrastructure, the introduction of a new offence for making and distributing devices to commit sabotage, and clarification of the intention required for a sabotage offence.
Revisions to the Canada Evidence Act would establish a federal administrative proceedings system, allowing judges to evaluate sensitive information while safeguarding it from public disclosure.
