A Call for Action Against Foreign Interference & TRANSNATIONAL REPRESSION in Canada
Ottawa, Canada
The release of the final report on the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions comes with great disappointment. As Commissioner, Justice Marie-Josée Hogue addressed the public on Tuesday, January 28, the statements regarding the state of hostile interference, infiltration, and foreign influence in Canada, profoundly downplay the severity of this growing threat. The report affirms that “while any attempted interference is troubling, I am reassured by the minimal impact such efforts have had to date…while the states’ attempts are troubling and there is some concerning conduct by parliamentarians, there is no cause for widespread alarm.” The Commissioner further declares that there is no evidence of “traitors” in Parliament that are colluding with foreign states against the interests of Canada and that “the phenomenon remains marginal and largely ineffective.”
The Commissioner asserts that Canada has a “robust and resilient system” in place to combat such activities creating a false sense of security that could have dangerous consequences for diaspora communities. However, hostile regimes seeking to undermine Canada's sovereignty and security will undoubtedly interpret this complacency as an invitation to continue their covert operations without fear of repercussions. By failing to acknowledge the gravity of these activities fully, the message is sent—whether intentionally or not—that Canada is not prepared to confront or address these critical challenges.
The operations of hostile foreign entities in Canada are not merely policy concerns; for many individuals, they are a matter of life and death. Challenging these regimes has always come at a significant personal cost, and the stakes have only grown higher in today’s increasingly interconnected and volatile global landscape. These findings are also deeply concerning as the report determines “no common international definition of foreign interference.” Despite the geopolitical context, the Government of Canada should declare a strong position as the threats faced by affected communities have a perilous impact.
The Commissioner concluded by emphasizing that “transnational repression is a scourge that extends beyond the Commission’s mandate.” URAP had hoped for a more urgent and decisive approach and analysis to fortify Canada’s defences against foreign interference and transnational repression. Nonetheless, the Government of Canada must respond to this swiftly to protect affected and vulnerable communities from being further victimized by disinformation, misinformation, and transnational repression.
This is a critical moment for Canada, a moment that demands serious action to create stronger, more effective mechanisms to safeguard our citizens and institutions. Instead, we are faced with a missed opportunity to take meaningful action against this ever-present threat. The need for vigilance, accountability, and urgent action could not be clearer. We must not allow complacency to take root. This report serves as a point of pressure on the Government of Canada and is a stark reminder of the work that lies ahead to safeguard Canada’s national security. Our collective resolve is essential to confronting these dangers with the seriousness they deserve, to preserve our sovereignty and protect our democratic values.
Media Contact:
Mehmet Tohti
Executive Director, Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP)
mehmet@urap.ca - 613-261- 8512