A recent Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) report, presented during the public inquiry into foreign interference, unveils significant foreign meddling in Canadian political processes by both China and India. The report highlights how these nations have deployed illicit funds, disinformation campaigns, and covert influence strategies to interfere with Canada’s democratic system, targeting politicians and influencing the outcomes of elections.
While China’s foreign interference activities have been widely reported, this new document sheds light on India’s extensive involvement, particularly in attempting to suppress support for the Khalistan movement. The movement advocates for an independent Sikh state in Punjab, and Indian officials view its proponents as a domestic threat to the country’s unity. According to the CSIS report, India has sought to influence the composition of the Canadian Parliament by covertly supporting pro-India candidates, including interference in leadership and nomination processes.
The report, prepared with input from various Canadian intelligence and security agencies, outlines how Indian proxy agents have reportedly provided illicit financial support to politicians in a bid to secure their loyalty or gain influence over candidates once they take office. In some cases, the politicians may not even be aware that their campaigns received illicit funds. Furthermore, India is accused of using disinformation to spread false narratives about Canadian elected officials, though specific names of politicians were not disclosed in the document.
India’s foreign interference efforts also involve the intimidation of individuals supporting the Khalistan cause, especially in diaspora communities. According to the CSIS findings, the Government of India (GoI) perceives any support for the Khalistani separatist movement as a direct threat to its domestic stability, even though only a small number of Canadian Sikhs are reported to promote violent extremism.
This report comes in the wake of recent tensions between Canada and India, particularly following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s explosive allegations that Indian agents were involved in the June 2023 assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist, outside a temple in Surrey, British Columbia. While Indian officials, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma, have rejected these claims and demanded evidence, the accusations have severely strained diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In addition to India, the CSIS report also names China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan as countries involved in foreign interference in Canada. China, however, is identified as the most significant threat, accused of attempting to meddle in both the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections. China’s tactics include providing incentives to influential figures, such as invitations to cultural events, paid trips to China, expedited visa processing, and political support. Beijing has also been accused of using economic coercion, travel sanctions, and disinformation to pressure Canadian politicians and communities.
Russia’s interference efforts are largely focused on disinformation campaigns, while Iran is alleged to target Iranian-Canadians in attempts to silence criticism of the Iranian regime. The report also identifies Pakistan as engaging in foreign interference through clandestine support of politicians who promote Pakistani interests, particularly in relation to its longstanding tensions with India. Notably, CSIS revealed that it had to take “threat reduction” measures in response to Pakistan’s activities affecting Canadian democratic processes, though specific details were not provided.
Testimonies from MPs targeted by foreign interference were also heard during the inquiry. Among them was Conservative MP Michael Chong, who had been singled out by China after advocating for a ban on Huawei Technologies and leading a motion in the House of Commons that declared China’s treatment of its Uyghur Muslim minority as genocide. While Chong was aware of the travel sanctions imposed on him by China, he was shocked to learn from media reports that Beijing had also gathered intelligence on him and his family members in Hong Kong. Chong criticized the Canadian government for failing to inform him of the threats for nearly two years, calling it “gross negligence” and urging the inquiry to hold officials accountable.
New Democrat MP Jenny Kwan, another target of Chinese interference, testified that Justice Marie-Josée Hogue, who is leading the inquiry, must develop a plan to disclose the names of Canadian politicians who may have knowingly or unknowingly collaborated with foreign governments. Kwan stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, especially for MPs who may have received foreign financial support without their knowledge. She also raised concerns about the influence of Chinese-owned social media platforms like WeChat and TikTok, which she claims either censor or spread disinformation.
Kwan further reflected on her personal experiences, acknowledging that her outspoken criticism of China’s human rights abuses in Hong Kong has likely made her a target of pro-Beijing forces. Despite this, she expressed her determination to continue advocating for democracy and human rights, even if it jeopardizes her political future.
The CSIS report has intensified calls for reforms to protect Canada’s democratic institutions from foreign interference. The inquiry has already revealed that some federal politicians may have unwittingly collaborated with foreign governments to advance their interests. As the investigation continues, there is growing pressure for greater government action to safeguard the integrity of Canadian elections and protect MPs from foreign threats.
As Conservative MP Michael Chong succinctly put it, Canada’s failure to address these issues has made the country a “playground for foreign-interference activities.” He urged the government to strengthen its national security framework to prevent authoritarian states from manipulating Canadian democracy.
The public inquiry will continue to examine the extent of foreign interference in Canada and propose policy recommendations to enhance the country’s resilience against such threats. Meanwhile, concerns persist about the growing influence of foreign powers in Canadian politics, and the need for vigilance to ensure the integrity of the nation’s democratic processes.