Conservative MP Michael Cooper has urged Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to address a parliamentary committee, criticizing the state of Canada’s new foreign influence registry. Cooper highlighted concerns raised during Foreign Influence Commissioner Anton Boegman’s recent committee appearance, pointing out significant challenges with compliance and the commissioner’s office operations.
Cooper emphasized that despite the legal commencement of Boegman’s term on August 4, the public safety department had ample time, nearly two-and-a-half years since Parliament’s approval of the foreign influence registry legislation, to ensure its effective implementation. Cooper stressed the urgency for Minister Anandasangaree to clarify the registry’s current state, address compliance issues, and outline measures to enforce the mandatory registration requirement as stipulated by law.
Anandasangaree was invited to testify before the committee on October 6 but was unavailable, with a new appearance date pending confirmation. Boegman disclosed that only two entries exist in the public registry, far below the initial estimate of 2,422 entities expected to register. Additionally, Boegman acknowledged two privacy breaches and technical challenges within his office since its establishment, attributing these issues to the initial setup phase aimed at expediting operational launch.
The legislation, effective as of August 4, 2024, mandates the registration of individuals or entities receiving benefits to influence Canadian political processes on behalf of foreign governments or entities. The law was prompted by reported foreign interference attempts in Canadian elections.
Amid criticisms from Cooper and others regarding the registry’s establishment, Boegman has engaged with various groups and individuals involved in the Alberta referendum campaign, reminding them of registration obligations under the criteria. While certain meetings related to Alberta separatism with U.S. entities prior to the registry’s enactment do not fall under Boegman’s jurisdiction, concerns persist about potential foreign interference threats.
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus raised concerns earlier this year about alleged U.S. interference in Alberta’s sovereignty movement. Despite his efforts to prompt investigations through the foreign influence commissioner’s office, Angus received a response indicating that formal appointments were pending, prompting questions about the government’s commitment to addressing foreign influence risks. Angus criticized the handling of pre-existing threats and emphasized the need for a robust response to safeguard Canadian sovereignty.
Boegman’s office has yet to provide responses to inquiries from CBC News, fueling further scrutiny over the registry’s effectiveness in combating foreign interference.
