OTTAWA – The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has informed the federal public safety minister about its current "resourcing challenges" in addressing the rising threat of foreign interference in Canada. This warning comes as pressure from various diaspora communities increases, urging federal security agencies to enhance their efforts against foreign meddling and repression, particularly from nations like China, Russia, Iran, and India.
The 2023 federal budget has allocated a budget of $48.9 million over three years for the RCMP to combat foreign interference, aimed at protecting Canadians from harassment and intimidation, boosting investigative capacity, and fostering proactive engagement with communities that are particularly vulnerable. Despite this funding, the RCMP highlighted concerns regarding their ability to adequately respond to various threats, indicating that they may need to reallocate resources to address the most immediate risks to national safety and security.
In a briefing prepared for the recently appointed Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, the RCMP warned that the threats facing Canada are increasing across a broad spectrum of national security issues. The material stressed that without sufficient funding, the RCMP's capability to tackle foreign interference effectively is compromised. The statement underscores the ongoing "resourcing challenges" faced by the RCMP as they seek to mitigate this form of interference.
The January report of a federal inquiry into foreign interference did not find any evidence suggesting disloyalty from parliamentary members collaborating with foreign countries, which had previously caused public concern. However, the inquiry made over forty recommendations aimed at enhancing federal preparedness, ensuring transparency, and reinforcing electoral integrity, along with addressing threats towards diaspora communities. One of the clear calls from the inquiry was for the government to ensure that the RCMP is adequately resourced to investigate and disrupt foreign interference activities.
Furthermore, the inquiry recommended that all RCMP officers working in affected communities receive training related to foreign interference and transnational repression. It also emphasized the necessity for the RCMP to prioritize recruitment, training, and retention of personnel skilled in handling foreign interference threats. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government is set to present their first budget on November 4, signaling potential changes in funding structures.
The RCMP noted that due to the intricate and multi-faceted nature of foreign interference, the force requires specialized resources dedicated to effectively combatting this issue. In a media statement, the RCMP commented on the increasing complexity of national security concerns, likening foreign interference to threats posed by violent extremism and cyber-attacks. The Mounties expressed a commitment to invest in resources that would alleviate present pressures and enable them to keep pace with existing law enforcement challenges, which encompass national security and serious organized crime among others.
The briefing materials cautioned that democratic institutions themselves are potential targets for hostile state actors aiming to influence candidates, direct narratives, and gain insight into legislative processes. The notes explained that autocratic regimes are fundamentally interested in undermining confidence in democratic practices. Recent legislation enacted by the Liberals under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created new offenses aimed at covertly influencing democratic processes, illustrating an ongoing commitment to safeguarding electoral integrity.
This legislation includes provisions for establishing a foreign influence transparency registry, requiring certain individuals to register with the federal government, which the RCMP believes enhances their legal ability to address foreign interference concerns. Nonetheless, the briefing also indicated that navigating the landscape of foreign interference presents significant challenges for law enforcement due to restrictions on information sharing and the substantial resources that foreign-backed actors often possess. The RCMP’s commitment to combating foreign interference includes leveraging all available resources to effectively address this nuanced and complex issue.
