Foreign agents are actively operating on Canadian university campuses to silence dissent and scout recruits, according to an RCMP intelligence briefing.
Blacklock's Reporter says the document, dated December 3 and titled On-Campus Foreign Interference, described covert tactics by foreign states, particularly the People’s Republic of China, to manipulate academic spaces.
The RCMP note warned that Canada’s universities — valued for their open and collaborative environment s— are being exploited by hostile intelligence services.
“Some foreign intelligence services and government officials including the People’s Republic of China can exploit this culture of openness to monitor and coerce students, faculty and other university officials,” it said.
Mounties cautioned that foreign governments may use proxies to harass critics and suppress speech that contradicts their political narratives.
Rather than engaging in public discourse, the note said, some governments aim to shape debate by sponsoring events that reflect their views and spreading disinformation to undermine trust in academic institutions.
The RCMP singled out China as a key threat, citing its “powerful security and intelligence apparatus” as a tool for targeting Canada’s democratic systems and economic interests.
The agency raised concerns about students being pressured into activities directed by foreign powers, including intelligence gathering and recruitment of sympathizers to the Chinese Communist Party.
Past examples of intimidation were brought before the Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations.
Tibetan Canadian Chemi Lhamo testified that she received death threats after running for student council president at the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus.
“There were comments saying the bullet that would go through me was made in China,” she said, describing a broader campaign of interference targeting diaspora communities.
Rukiye Turdush, a Uyghur Canadian, also testified about Chinese government influence, stating that a Chinese student group at McMaster University — later banned — was directed by the Chinese Embassy to target dissidents.
“This is China’s influence on Canada. Governments should deal with it,” said Turdush.
