CSIS reports two possible instances of interference

Photo: Spencer Colby The Canadian Press A former parliamentarian is suspected of influencing the work of Parliament on behalf of a foreign government.

Jim Bronskill – The Canadian Press in Ottawa

Published and updated on September 27

• Canada

• < li class="bookmark">

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has informed the Hogue commission that a former parliamentarian is suspected of having “worked to influence the proceedings of Parliament” on behalf of an unnamed foreign government.

In a written summary released Friday at the commission's hearings in Ottawa, CSIS also cited indications that an unspecified foreign government was involved in interference to hurt a Liberal candidate's election chances.

CSIS suspects that the foreign government sought to thwart the Liberal candidate’s election because of his support for issues perceived as contrary to the interests of that country.

The federal intelligence agency emphasizes that these two cases were previously unknown to the public inquiry into foreign interference in federal electoral processes and democratic institutions. But CSIS has not provided any additional details on the countries or individuals involved in these allegations.

The inquiry heard testimony Friday from CSIS acting director Vanessa Lloyd, former director David Vigneault and other current and former officials of the Canadian spy service.

The allegations about a “former parliamentarian” suspected of interference add fuel to the fire of those who fear that a Canadian politician may have participated in foreign interference.

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians dropped a small bombshell last June when it released a redacted version of a secret report. The committee says some parliamentarians “are, according to intelligence services, semi-willing or willing participants in foreign state interference efforts in Canadian politics.”

The stark and vague revelation by the committee — an intelligence watchdog made up of MPs and senators, all sworn to secrecy — has raised concerns in Ottawa that parliamentarians knowingly involved in interference may still be active in Canadian politics.

Elizabeth May of the Green Party, who has a “top secret” security clearance, has seen the full report from the committee of parliamentarians. She argued in June that the report did not contain a “list of MPs who have been disloyal to Canada.”

200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000

May added, however, that an unnamed former MP who is accused in the report of proactively sharing inside information with a foreign agent should be fully investigated by authorities.

The inquiry, chaired by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, is currently examining the ability of federal agencies to identify and counter foreign interference. A final report is expected by the end of the year.

No public denunciation

Commissioner Hogue and her staff identified and reviewed the intelligence reports cited in the classified and redacted versions of the committee’s report. The committee also interviewed senior government officials and intelligence agency officials in camera about the report’s sensitive findings.

Judge Hogue has cautioned, however, that she will not publicly identify the parliamentarians the committee suspects of interference. She recently reiterated that the specific allegations in the report are based on classified information, meaning the committee cannot make them public or even disclose them to the parliamentarians in question.

As a result, the inquiry will not be able to provide individuals with a meaningful opportunity to defend themselves, she acknowledged.

Ms. Lloyd told the hearing Friday that CSIS’s engagement with parliamentarians indicated there was a “sliding scale” of desire for awareness of foreign interference among politicians.

On the one hand, a parliamentarian may know little and therefore be surprised to be targeted by a foreign actor, she explained. Some may have a better understanding of foreign interference and be grateful to know more about making informed decisions.

On the other hand, “a very small subset of individuals” understand that an activity constitutes foreign interference and that, by the nature of their engagement with a threat actor, they are knowingly benefiting from or participating in the activity themselves, Lloyd said.

Read also

• Ottawa creates new agency to prepare for next pandemic
• Ottawa considers warning Canadians of even minor campaign interference
• Canada has become 'playground' for interference, says Michael Chong

China, India, Russia and Pakistan

A March 2024 intelligence assessment filed with the committee Friday says foreign interference has become normal behaviour for some foreign states and their “proxies.”

“This allows them to exert their will on Canada in a way that is difficult to detect and does not reach thresholds that would result in military conflict,” the document says.

The analysis also confirms that the main actors of interference in Canada continue to be China, India, Russia and Pakistan.

Chinese actors of foreign interference “are largely pragmatic and tend to follow the path of least resistance” by supporting the party or individual they perceive as most favourable to Beijing's interests, the document adds.

The assessment found that the Indian government is keen to support Canadian politicians who support pro-India views and to counter politicians deemed detrimental to Beijing's interests. India.

A November 2021 document filed Friday indicates that CSIS had already begun taking steps at the time to reduce the threat posed by India’s activities targeting Canadian democratic institutions and elections.

The initiative involved classified and unclassified interviews and briefings with current and former members of Parliament about alleged foreign interference attempts by New Delhi.