Commentary
This year, our country is gearing up for a federal election (pending the selection of a new leader by the Liberals and the “unproroguing” of Parliament) as well as at least one provincial election in Ontario on Feb. 27.
This political activity comes in the aftermath of findings from the inquiry into foreign interference in Canadian elections. The Hogue Commission’s report confirmed what agencies like the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) have been warning about for years: foreign entities have been attempting to influence our electoral processes since at least 2019 (although the practice likely dates back even further).
The inquiry was launched following the leak of a 2023 CSIS report, which revealed that the Liberals had been disregarding, downplaying, or questioning the intelligence they had been receiving for fifteen years.
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It is no secret, especially after the Hogue report, that foreign interference is not solely a federal issue. However, there is a pressing matter in Canada concerning the sharing of intelligence.
Traditionally, Canadian security intelligence is only shared at the federal level. This long-standing practice, likely influenced by security clearance protocols and the concept of “need to know,” has resulted in limited or sporadic dissemination of critical information to provincial, territorial, and municipal governments.
Given the evident efforts by the Chinese government to influence Canadian officials at all levels, it is imperative for the system to acknowledge the necessity of informing these local authorities. Maintaining a “need to know” approach while providing relevant intelligence briefings to officials directly impacted by such information is crucial for preparedness.
In my view, implementing this initiative would not require excessive resources. CSIS already has regional offices in every province (excluding P.E.I.) and collaborates with provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies nationwide. Establishing connections with the offices of premiers and mayors—potentially involving provincial security advisers where available—would be a logical step forward. This is not a complex endeavor.
Intelligence management at the federal level has been lacking for years. It may be time to extend invitations to new stakeholders and grant them access to intelligence. Perhaps these local officials can offer valuable insights on leveraging this information to make informed decisions and safeguard our national interests. It’s worth a shot.
Foreign interference persists as a threat. With uncertainties surrounding the implementation of Hogue Commission recommendations and the effectiveness of existing measures, safeguarding the integrity of elections is paramount. Empowering individuals targeted by foreign interference with relevant intelligence can mitigate potential risks.
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
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