Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree informed a parliamentary committee that individuals violating the new regulations on foreign interference in Canada may face heightened penalties. Anandasangaree disclosed plans to amend the proposed rules to raise the minimum penalty for offenders, although the specific threshold is yet to be determined.
Stating that the minimum fine would exceed the initial $50 proposal, Anandasangaree mentioned a potential range from $50 to $1,000,000. He compared this to other registries, noting that the ethics commissioner’s minimum fine stands at $100. Anandasangaree emphasized that the foreign influence transparency commissioner would have discretion in determining fines based on factors like intent and past violations.
The government is considering various adjustments to the regulations following feedback from the public and opposition MPs to safeguard Canada and its elections from foreign interference. Anandasangaree declined to reveal additional potential changes, aiming to secure cabinet approval in the coming weeks before publishing the modifications in the Canada Gazette.
The legislative process, initiated a year-and-a-half ago by Parliament to establish a system to monitor potential foreign interference, is progressing. An inquiry led by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue highlighted the issue of transnational repression in Canada, particularly by the People’s Republic of China.
Anandasangaree announced the nomination of former B.C. chief electoral officer Anton Boegman as Canada’s inaugural foreign interference transparency commissioner, with hopes of prompt ratification by the House of Commons and the Senate. The aim is to have the commissioner’s office and the foreign agent registry operational by early spring, extending the regime’s coverage to all countries, including the United States.
Regarding concerns about foreign interference, Anandasangaree emphasized that the new regulations are not limited to specific countries but apply universally based on the definition of supporting a foreign actor. He refrained from speculating on recent incidents, such as meetings between U.S. State Department officials and backers of Alberta’s separatist movement, as potential instances of foreign interference.
During a committee hearing, opposition MPs, like Conservative Michael Cooper, pressed Anandasangaree on the delays in appointing a commissioner, drafting regulations, and setting up the registry since the legislation’s adoption. Cooper criticized the $50 minimum fine as insufficient and called for expedited implementation after a two-year delay.