An Act respecting countering foreign interference
Countering Foreign Interference Act. Royal assent June 20, 2024 (S.C. 2024, c. 16). Comprehensive foreign-interference response, partly in answer to the Hogue Commission of Inquiry into Foreign Interference. Establishes the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry (requires anyone in an arrangement with a foreign principal to influence Canadian government or political processes to register publicly, enforced by a Commissioner with administrative monetary penalties up to $5 million). Amends the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, the Security of Information Act, and the Criminal Code to add new foreign-interference offences, including a Criminal Code offence of intimidation, threats, or violence on behalf of a foreign entity. Canada was the last G7 country to put a registry in place.
Status
Quick learn
Created the federal foreign-agent registry and added new foreign-interference offences to the Criminal Code and CSIS Act. Follow-up to the Hogue Commission on foreign interference; Canada was the last G7 country to put a registry in place.
Issues this bill touches
- Foreign Policy & Defence
Modernizes Canada's response to state-backed foreign interference (China, Russia, Iran cases).
- National Security
Creates the federal Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, including a public registry of foreign-government-directed activity.
Legislative history
- First reading
First reading in the House of Commons.
View source - Second reading
Second reading in the House of Commons.
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Third reading in the House of Commons.
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First reading in the Senate.
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Second reading in the Senate.
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Third reading in the Senate.
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Royal assent received.
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Sponsored by
Dominic LeBlancLIBERALOfficial source
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