A foreign interference registry would protect Canadians from the long reach of threats abroad

The shocking report by the Globe and Mail outlining the sophisticated network of interference by the Chinese government in Canada should worry every Canadian. This foreign interference not only undermines Canada’s sovereignty, but also trust in our democratic institutions. A wide spectrum of media have called for a Foreign Interference Registry Act (FIRA) to safeguard Canada’s democracy. Canada has finally recognized the problem of interference by malign regimes. But, this legislation is long overdue. CSIS has been warning for years of foreign infiltration in our democratic, governmental, and civil institutions. Many in the Russian, Iranian, Chinese, and other Asian diaspora communities are calling for the passage of a foreign agent registry. Canada is trailing behind its allies in combating foreign influence. The United States had similar legislation passed more than 80 years ago, and Australia did so in 2018. The United Kingdom also introduced a government bill to enact similar measures. The claim of a potential increase in racism towards people coming from hostile regimes is often used as the primary argument against legislation such as a FIRA that protects Canada and Canadian interests. However, coming from an Asian-Canadian background, I feel that a foreign interference registry actually deters intimidation and infiltration from hostile regimes. It acts as a protective measure for diaspora communities against the horrendous acts conducted by foreign states in other countries. If politicians are truly frightened that a foreign agent registry will increase racism, they should explain to the public that such legislation is only targeted at the regimes that conduct intimidation and interference, and not at their people. Diaspora communities are often the victims of such actions. Fear of retaliation by the hostile regime often causes people to self-censor, even in Canada. Threats against their personal safety or the safety of family members are used to deter diaspora communities from dissenting or engaging in advocacy. One must also call out the propaganda by foreign regimes to muddy the waters. The regime is not and should not be seen as equal to the people from those countries. In fact, many people escaped from regimes such as Russia, China, and Iran to Canada because human dignity has no place in the minds of their dictators. Therefore, in no way can it be said that their governments represent them. Henry Chan is the co-director of Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong. Photograph courtesy of Henry Chan The FIRA only requires someone to register themselves if they are receiving funding from or acting on behalf of a foreign government. The sole purpose is to increase transparency and assist the public in knowing whether a person or organization is working for a foreign entity. In no way does the FIRA limit one's freedom to run for office, lobby politicians, or engage in cultural exchanges. Disclosure and transparency are long-standing traditions in democratic countries to increase accountability and maintain public confidence. In the long term, if foreign interference is left unaddressed, it will only allow hostile regimes to undermine and erode Canada’s democratic institutions. When facing these increasingly despicable governments, Canada must be prepared and resolute in calling out such actions while making it clear that it is directed only toward the regimes and not their people. The FIRA would be a major step Canada can take to counter the threat of foreign interference. It must be enacted in a timely fashion, as there is an uptick in reports of interference that have already shaken the public’s trust. Canadians of all backgrounds should be able to know who governs them or where their news is coming from. Politicians should be able to know whether lobbyists with whom they speak are acting on behalf of a foreign principal. Therefore, a FIRA must be a bipartisan effort to safeguard Canada’s interests. Partisan warfare only allows our adversaries to poke holes in our democratic fabric. People from ethnic communities should not be living in fear because they do not feel safe even in Canada. Fear restricts other forms of freedom. It is in combating foreign infiltration that Canada can truly be strong and free. Canadians of all stripes must be vigilant to protect those freedoms from being undermined by foreign regimes with motives to undercut a rules-based international order. As a member of the Hongkonger-Canadian community, I believe that weakness never prevails in facing malevolent regimes. Legislation with teeth is a long-term solution to fight foreign meddling and protect Canadian diaspora communities from foreign governments that intimidate their own people. Henry Chan is the co-director of Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong, a Hongkonger-Canadian community organization. He is also the main organizer of a nationwide multicultural coalition in concern of foreign interference in Canada. The Hill Times