QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Foreign Influence Transparency Registry
November 26, 2025
Good afternoon, Senator Moreau. In June 2024, we passed Bill C-70, An Act respecting countering foreign interference, which included a provision for the creation of the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry. We haven’t had the transparency yet. I wonder if you can give us an update on where that stands and, in particular, whether there have been consultations for input on the design of the registry, particularly from individuals who fear they may be unfairly swept up by the registry because of its very broad definition of “arrangements” with a foreign entity. Thank you.
Foreign interference and transnational repression are serious threats facing Canadians and Canadian institutions. The government is committed to keeping Canadians safe. This includes moving forward with implementing the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry. To your question, I understand that this is expected to be launched by the end of the year. That’s the information I have. The government will give national security agencies more tools to combat modern threats and remain vigilant against foreign interference to protect our security and our democracy.
The end of the year is coming soon. I note that the legislation requires consultations with the leaders of all the recognized groups in the Senate before the commissioner can be appointed. Maybe you can tell us if you have been consulted.
More to the point, can you give us some assurance that the nominated commissioner will appear before the Senate in a Committee of the Whole so that we can also engage with this person on the suitability of his or her appointment?
As far as this commitment is required, I will have to check with the government. As soon as I have the answer — and I’m sure there is an answer to that question — I will get back to you.
