A public registry of foreign agents operating in Canada is expected to be operational by June, according to the Department of Public Safety. Blacklock's Reporter says the registry, mandated by legislation passed earlier this year, aims to increase transparency and curb foreign interference.“We are working towards a June time frame,” Sébastien Aubertin-Giguere, associate assistant deputy public safety minister, testified before the Senate national finance committee.Aubertin-Giguere acknowledged potential hurdles but expressed confidence in meeting the deadline. “Everything is progressing to the plan, though I must say there could be a lot of contingencies along the way,” he said. “The goal is to build the office, name the commissioner, build the IT infrastructure, summon the core advice and go for coming into force.”Bill C-70, An Act Respecting Countering Foreign Interference, was passed into law on June 19. It requires individuals lobbying public office holders on behalf of foreign entities to register their activities, with penalties for non-compliance including up to five years’ imprisonment or a $5 million fine. The registry’s enforcement is expected to begin one year after its establishment.During the final Senate debates on the bill, legislators emphasized the urgency of addressing foreign influence. “We have seen how quickly things can move when the government is committed to getting something done,” said Sen. Leo Housakos. He pointed to instances of intimidation faced by diaspora communities, including Chinese, Persian, and Cuban Canadians, as evidence of the registry’s necessity. “It has to stop,” he asserted.Sen. Pierre Dalphond clarified the registry’s purpose: “The intent is to make public what otherwise would be hidden from public view. It doesn’t prevent advocacy but ensures transparency when such advocacy is directed or funded by foreign governments.”The United States has maintained a foreign agent registry since 1938, and Canadian legislators have stressed that implementing a similar system is overdue.
