The federal government is considering imposing fines of up to $1 million on individuals and organizations who do not comply with the forthcoming foreign influence transparency registry regulations. The draft regulations recently released are part of the process of establishing the registry, which was mandated by a law enacted in 2024 to combat foreign interference.
The proposed regulations outline the necessary information individuals and entities must provide when engaging with foreign principals—entities affiliated with foreign governments aiming to influence Canadian political or governmental affairs. Ottawa asserts the registry’s importance to address undisclosed ties when countries use individuals to further their political agendas through foreign interference.
Various entities, including individuals, businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions, are expected to register with the government to prevent such activities. The registry will contain details about the parties involved, the foreign principal, and the purpose and types of influence activities in each arrangement.
An independent commissioner, yet to be appointed, will oversee the registration process, which will be enforced through notifications, fines, and in severe cases, criminal penalties. The government emphasizes the transparency and accessibility of the public registry to inform Canadians about foreign influence activities and enforcement actions.
Canada is trailing behind key allies like the US, UK, and Australia in implementing regulations to counter covert foreign influence. The proposed regulations aim to bridge this gap by establishing a robust transparency framework aligned with global standards, enhancing Canada’s credibility as a reliable partner in safeguarding democracy and global security.
Violations under the new regime could include failure to disclose information within the specified timeline or providing false details to the commissioner. Penalties for non-compliance could range from $50 to $1 million. Factors considered in determining fines include compliance history, intent of violation, financial capacity, and cooperation post-violation notice.
The commissioner may enter into compliance agreements with violators, potentially reducing or waiving penalties if certain conditions are met within an agreed time frame. Public Safety Canada engaged with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and security experts, to shape the proposed regulations.
The public has a 30-day window to provide feedback on the regulations published in the Canada Gazette.