Any federal attempt to unmask Chinese foreign agents must be “culturally sensitive,” Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino (Eglinton—Lawrence, ON) said last night. Legislators have sought passage of a Foreign Agents Registration Act similar to a law enacted by the United States in 1938, according to Blacklock's Reporter..“To deal with threats to national security we need agencies to be inclusive, diverse and culturally sensitive so Canadians can have trust and confidence that as we are taking actions to mitigate against threats to national security they believe we are consistently going to act in the national interest,” said Mendicino..While testifying at the Commons Special Committee on Canada-China Relations, Mendicino said “there is a real threat of foreign interference” in Canada. He did not mention China by name..“What are your thoughts on having a foreign agents’ registry?” asked Liberal MP Jean Yip (Scarborough-Agincourt, ON). “There is an intention to begin consultations on the possibility of creating such an initiative but before we do that we have to be sure Canadians understand why,” replied Mendicino..“Is there something that gives hesitance or pause on the utility of a registry?” asked Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre, ON). “I wouldn’t describe it as hesitation,” replied Mendicino. “I think we need to be diligent and thoughtful and inclusive when it comes to bringing all Canadians along.”.Bill S-237 An Act To Establish The Foreign Influence Registry, a private Conservative bill in the Senate, would mandate disclosure of all lobbyists acting for “a foreign government, an individual or entity related to a foreign government” under threat of $200,000 fines and two years in jail. The bill was introduced last February 24 and remains at Second Reading..Australia in 2018 enacted a Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act to track foreign agents, while 85 years ago the United States passed its own Foreign Agents Registration Act..The Department of Public Safety in a 2022 briefing note Foreign Interference said foreign agents may have improper contacts with VIPs in Canada. “They may employ individuals, some of whom may be high profile, to act on their behalf without disclosing ties to the foreign state,” said the note..David Vigneault, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, last night said a foreign registry would be useful in tracking subterfuge. “I do discuss these kinds of things with the minister and sometimes our discussions get a little heated,” said Vigneault..“Were that registry to exist already today would it have helped us?” asked Bloc Québécois MP Denis Trudel (Longueuil-St. Hubert, QC). “Absolutely yes,” replied Vigneault..“Those individuals would have to publicly state their affiliation,” said Vigneault. “That would help with transparency. It would help to bring people out of the shadows. For those who are trying to interfere, it would be more difficult for them to get their hands on resources and engage in this interference. Yes, it would help.”
