Canada Appoints First Foreign Interference Watchdog
After years of growing concern over transnational repression, the Canadian government has named Anton Boegman as its first foreign interference watchdog. The appointment, announced today, , comes after a period of consultation with opposition parties, whose seven-day response window lapsed this week, according to CBC News.
Boegman, formerly the chief electoral officer of British Columbia, will lead the effort to counter foreign interference, a threat Canadian lawmakers have repeatedly emphasized as a priority. The creation of this position stems from a parliamentary vote held over a year and a half ago, responding to escalating alarms raised by experts and civil society groups.
The appointment arrives less than a year after an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), titled “China Targets,” revealed the extent of tactics employed by Chinese authorities to target regime critics living abroad. The ICIJ investigation, a collaboration involving over 40 media partners and interviews with 105 targets, detailed a coordinated, systematic, and global effort to neutralize dissent. Internal Chinese government records spanning two decades were central to the findings.
In Canada, CBC News reported on specific cases of intimidation and harassment uncovered during the “China Targets” investigation. These included a Hong Kong pro-democracy advocate in exile and a pro-Taiwan activist who were subjected to the circulation of deepfake, sexually explicit images online, alongside threats directed at their family members still residing in China.
A recent foreign interference inquiry concluded that transnational repression is a “genuine scourge” in Canada, with China identified as the “most active perpetrator” of foreign interference targeting Canadian democratic institutions. This finding underscores the urgency and importance of the newly established watchdog role.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree informed opposition leaders on Monday of the government’s proposed candidate, according to CBC News. Anandasangaree expressed hope that the appointment would be finalized soon, potentially within the next week or two.
The move to establish a foreign interference commissioner is part of broader efforts to address the issue, including the planned launch of a foreign agent registry later this fall. Anandasangaree stated that fighting transnational repression and foreign interference is “an utmost priority of the prime minister,” and that Prime Minister Mark Carney has tasked him with ensuring the government is prepared to implement measures outlined in foreign interference legislation passed in June 2024.
Anandasangaree also highlighted the importance of defending Canada’s sovereignty, particularly in light of recent attacks, including those from U.S. President Donald Trump. He emphasized that Canada is an independent nation and will take action against any attempts to undermine its civil and human rights.
Foreign interference is defined as clandestine, deceptive, or threatening activities conducted by foreign states or their proxies within or against Canada or Canadian interests, according to a placemat published by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
