Canada's Era of Complacency on Foreign Interference Must End: Former Senior RCMP Officer
Op/Ed: Canada’s Inaction on Foreign Interference and Its Silent Erosion of Democracy
By Garry Clement
In recent years, the specter of foreign interference has loomed large over democracies worldwide, and Canada is no exception. From election meddling to influence campaigns, the threat posed by foreign entities seeking to undermine Canadian sovereignty and democratic processes is profound. Yet, Canada’s response has often been characterized by inaction, raising critical questions about the integrity of its democracy and the trust Canadians place in their institutions.
The Landscape of Foreign Interference
Foreign interference manifests in various forms, including disinformation campaigns, funding of fringe political groups, and cyberattacks on electoral processes. In Canada, we’ve witnessed disturbing examples, such as attempts to sway public opinion through social media manipulation and the infiltration of political discourse by foreign actors. The consequences of such interference are not merely theoretical; they directly threaten the very fabric of Canadian democracy by sowing discord and distrust among citizens.
Erosion of Trust
One of the most insidious effects of foreign interference is the erosion of public trust in democratic institutions. When citizens perceive that their electoral outcomes can be influenced by external forces, their faith in the democratic process diminishes. This cynicism can lead to decreased voter turnout and engagement, further destabilizing the political landscape. The longer Canada delays taking decisive action against foreign interference, the more likely it is that citizens will disengage from the democratic process altogether.
Inadequate Policy Responses
Despite growing evidence of foreign meddling, Canada has been slow to implement robust policies to combat these threats. Efforts such as the creation of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians have not resulted in sufficient transparency or accountability. Furthermore, the lack of a comprehensive strategy to counter disinformation and foreign influence campaigns leaves Canadians vulnerable. Other democracies, such as the United States and several European nations, have taken more proactive measures, highlighting Canada’s relative inaction on this pressing issue.
The Role of Technology
Technology has transformed the nature of political engagement, allowing for rapid dissemination of information and enabling foreign actors to exploit vulnerabilities in the system. Social media platforms, while democratizing information access, have also become battlegrounds for misinformation. Without adequate regulations and oversight, these platforms can amplify foreign interference, which makes it essential for the Canadian government to collaborate with tech companies to implement safeguards.
The Path Forward
Addressing foreign interference requires a multifaceted approach. Canada must prioritize developing a comprehensive national strategy that includes enhanced cybersecurity measures, greater transparency in political funding, and public education campaigns to inform citizens about disinformation tactics. Moreover, fostering a culture of civic engagement and resilience is vital; Canadians must be equipped to discern credible information from misleading narratives.
Inaction on foreign interference is not merely a political oversight; it is a threat to the democratic principles that underpin Canadian society. By failing to confront this issue head-on, Canada risks normalizing interference and eroding public trust in democratic institutions. To protect the integrity of its democracy, Canada must take decisive action, ensuring that its citizens can engage in a political landscape free from foreign manipulation. The era of complacency must end; the health of Canadian democracy depends on it.
Former senior RCMP officer Garry Clement consults with corporations on anti-money laundering, contributed to the Canadian academic text Dirty Money, and wrote Undercover, In the Shady World of Organized Crime and the RCMP
The Trudeau Liberal government is the biggest source of mis- and disinformation in Canada.
https://thefederalist.com/2024/10/17/report-communist-chinas-spying-expanded-rapidly-across-20-states-under-biden-and-harris/