The Canadian Coalition for a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry (FITR) and the Human Rights Coalition (HRC) have received responses from Canada’s major federal parties regarding their plans to address foreign interference and transnational repression (view our request for each party’s position). The initiative, supported by more than 40 civil society organizations, called on party leaders to take clear positions on three urgent priorities:

1. Full and timely implementation of the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry, in line with Bill C-70;
2. Development of a national strategy to combat transnational repression, which targets diaspora communities across Canada;
3. Concrete action to disrupt covert influence operations by authoritarian regimes including China, Russia, Iran, and others.

The responses provide important insight into the approaches and commitments of the federal parties on these issues.

Cross-Party Positions at a Glance

• Liberal Party of Canada: Emphasized past actions and committed to expanding national security efforts under Mark Carney’s leadership, including recruitment of 1,000 additional RCMP officers. Read the full response: English/French.
• Conservative Party of Canada: Pledged to fast-track the registry’s implementation, increase RCMP capacity, and address the financial aspects of foreign interference, including money laundering. Read the full response.
• Bloc Québécois: Reaffirmed support for the registry, whistleblower protections, and anti-corruption measures. while expressing concern over federal overreach into provincial jurisdiction. The Bloc is cautious about federal overreach into provincial domains but broadly supports stronger transparency and accountability. Read the full response.
• New Democratic Party: Expressed strong support for the registry and criticized government delays. They commit to establishing the registry, protecting diaspora communities, improving coordination between agencies, and tackling disinformation and digital hate. Read the full response.
• Green Party of Canada: Support Bill C-70 and advocate for a registry that is transparent but respectful of civil liberties. They propose establishing a National Cyber Defence Agency, reforming policing, expanding election security, and addressing digital manipulation. Read the full response.
• People’s Party of Canada: Posits that high levels of immigration and Canada’s official multicultural policy worsen the problem of foreign interference, so they propose a moratorium on immigration and the deportation of visa overstays. Read the full response.

Civil Society Calls for Urgent Action

“The responses we received reflect a growing awareness across party lines of the serious threat posed by authoritarian foreign regimes,” said Gloria Fung, spokesperson for the Canadian Coalition for a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry. “But Canadians cannot afford more delays. We need swift implementation of Bill C-70 and a comprehensive strategy that protects vulnerable communities.”

Sarah Teich, speaking on behalf of the Human Rights Coalition, added:

“Transnational repression is not theoretical—it is happening in Canada right now. Authoritarian governments are actively harassing, monitoring, and coercing individuals on Canadian soil. We welcome the commitments made by some parties, but urge all federal leaders to treat this issue with the urgency it deserves.”

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FITR and HRC will continue to engage with policymakers and the public to ensure that defending Canada’s democracy against foreign interference and repression remains a priority.