Kenny Chiu, a former Conservative MP, has expressed his support for the Liberal government’s proposed legislation to establish a foreign agent registry. Mr. Chiu, who was the target of foreign interference and disinformation during the 2021 election, welcomes the introduction of Bill C-70, which aims to counter foreign interference without infringing on Canadians’ political freedoms.
In an interview with The Epoch Times on May 7, Mr. Chiu highlighted the importance of the foreign influence registry as a crucial step in safeguarding Canada against external threats. He emphasized the need for stronger penalties for individuals and entities engaged in foreign interference activities, particularly those associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The proposed legislation includes the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA), which would require registration of arrangements with foreign principals and disclosure of any foreign influence activities. Failure to comply could result in monetary penalties and even imprisonment for serious violations.
Mr. Chiu also suggested additional measures to address technological threats and advocated for sanctions on Chinese state media to counter disinformation campaigns. He emphasized the importance of timely implementation of the legislation before the next federal election to prevent further interference.
The government’s efforts to combat foreign interference have been met with support from advocacy groups like Canada-Hong Kong Link, who stress the urgency of passing the legislation. A public inquiry into foreign interference has highlighted China as a persistent threat, underscoring the need for immediate action.
Despite previous efforts by Mr. Chiu and Senator Leo Housakos to address foreign interference through legislation, delays in government support have hindered progress. Senator Housakos has questioned the government’s inaction and called for swift action to protect Canada’s democratic processes.
Overall, the introduction of Bill C-70 and the establishment of a foreign agent registry represent a significant step towards safeguarding Canada against foreign interference and disinformation campaigns. The urgency of passing this legislation before the next election is crucial to prevent further threats to Canada’s democracy. In the Senate, Marc Gold, the government representative, showed gratitude for Mr. Housakos’ support for the registry. He dismissed criticism of the Liberal government’s delay, stating that Ottawa has presented legislation that strikes a balance between national security and constitutional values.
Addressing concerns about the legislation proposed by Mr. Chiu and Mr. Housakos, Ms. Fung emphasized that accusations of “anti-Chinese” sentiment are unfounded. She suggested that those making such claims are connected to the Beijing regime. Ms. Fung believes that the proposed legislation will reveal the truth and help dispel suspicions surrounding the Chinese community.
“It is essential to bring transparency to the issue,” she remarked. “By shedding light on the matter, we can dispel any doubts and concerns within our Chinese community.”
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