Under a disclosure from Canadian news agency Global News, India has been recognized as a potential hazard to Canadaโs democratic mechanisms, alongside China, according to a report. The report in question, disclosed by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), was previously top-secret and has been recently declassified.
Dated February 24, 2023, the CSIS report titled โBriefing to the Minister of Democratic Institutions on Foreign Interferenceโ underscores the pressing necessity for active Canadian governmental intervention against foreign interference.
As per the report by Global News, the document explicitly states, โWe know that China sought to clandestinely and deceptively influence the 2019 and 2021 federal election,โ citing China as โby far the most significant threat.โ
Indiaโs Growing Involvement in Foreign Interference
Furthermore, it underscores Indiaโs involvement in foreign interference activities, indicating a deterioration of the situation. Although details regarding India are largely withheld, nearly three pages of the report are dedicated to India, making it the sole country explicitly identified alongside China.
The report advocates for the formulation of โclearly articulated strategiesโ to combat foreign interference, stressing the significance of raising awareness and briefing officials and politicians. It underscores the imperative for all governmental bodies, including provincial and municipal entities, to collaborate in โdetecting, disrupting, and publicizingโ interference activities.
Ongoing Inquiry into Election Interference
The release of this information coincides with a commission of inquiry into foreign interference in Canadaโs recent elections, currently ongoing in Ottawa. This initiative was prompted by concerns raised by media outlets regarding Chinese interference.
The report specifies that โforeign states target elected and public officials and others with influence over the public policy decision-making process,โ encompassing current and former Members of Parliament, members of provincial legislatures, municipal officials, representatives of Indigenous governments, ministerial and political staff, as well as public servants.
The briefing report divulges that Chinaโs interference activities in Canada are extensive, utilizing various mechanisms such as the United Front Work Department, its diplomatic corps, and non-governmental assets like community groups and trusted contacts.
It emphasizes that these activities are directed at all tiers of government and civil society throughout the country. โThese hostile states exploit loopholes in political party nomination processes; engage in money and financing operations; mobilize and leverage community organizations; and manipulate media outlets.โ
Previously, in an October 2022 report by the CSIS, the agency asserted that โGovernment of India agentsโ had interfered in the Conservativeโs 2022 leadership race by purchasing memberships for one candidate while undermining another. Additionally, they allegedly funded several politicians across various governmental levels.
While China remained the primary focus in that report, the โCanadian Eyes Onlyโ intelligence assessment highlighted Indiaโs utilization of โsimilar corrosive tactics as Beijing.โ
Conclusion
Under a disclosure from Canadian news agency Global News, a report by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has identified both India and China as potential threats to Canadaโs democratic processes.
The report, previously classified but recently declassified, emphasizes the urgent need for active Canadian intervention against foreign interference. Global News highlights the reportโs explicit mention of Chinaโs covert attempts to influence federal elections in 2019 and 2021, labelling it as the most significant threat.
Additionally, the report underscores Indiaโs increasing involvement in such activities, alongside China, indicating a deteriorating situation.
The report advocates for the development of clearly articulated strategies to combat foreign interference and stresses the importance of collaboration among all levels of government. An ongoing inquiry into foreign interference in Canadaโs recent elections in Ottawa further underscores the seriousness of the situation.
The briefing report reveals extensive interference activities by China in Canada, employing various mechanisms to target government and civil society. Previous reports by the CSIS also highlighted Indiaโs utilization of tactics similar to Chinaโs, raising concerns about their corrosive impact.
Last Updated on by Nikita Pradhan
