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C-70Royal assent received

Law to Stop Foreign Governments Meddling in Canada

Stopping Foreign Meddling

Introduced May 6, 2024·Last discussed Jun 20, 2024
Summary

This proposed law, called the Countering Foreign Interference Act, aims to protect Canada from secret and harmful actions by other countries. First, it makes it a crime to do certain things at the direction of, or on behalf of, a foreign entity. These include harming Canada's interests, interfering in elections, or spreading false information. It also gives more powers to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to collect and analyze information, including datasets, to detect and disrupt foreign interference. This proposed law affects anyone who might be targeted by foreign governments, such as politicians, journalists, community leaders, and everyday citizens. It also affects CSIS and other government agencies involved in national security. It matters because it's meant to safeguard Canada's democracy, security, and sovereignty from hidden manipulation by foreign powers.

Bill Timeline
Introduced in the House
May 6, 2024
Approved in principle (House)
May 29, 2024
Passed the House
Jun 13, 2024
Introduced in the Senate
Jun 13, 2024
Final vote on Bill C-70Passed
319 Yea0 Nay
Jun 13, 2024
Approved in principle (Senate)
Jun 17, 2024
Passed the Senate
Jun 19, 2024
Became law
Jun 20, 2024
Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

National Security & DefenceIncrease defence investment

The bill increases the government's power to investigate foreign interference, suggesting a stronger focus on national security and intelligence gathering, thus aligning towards military expansion.

Crime & Public SafetyStronger law enforcement

By creating new crimes related to foreign meddling, the bill leans towards a 'tough on crime' approach, albeit in a specific context of national security rather than general criminal justice.

This bill
Bill Quality
Solid

This proposed law aims to counter foreign interference by updating how CSIS handles datasets and increasing transparency. It strengthens oversight but leaves some room for interpretation in how these powers will be used.

Things to Watch For

  • The definition of 'foreign interference' is broad, so watch how it's applied.
  • The law doesn't specify how the public will know about foreign interference activities.
  • It's unclear how the new transparency measures will affect privacy.
  • The law doesn't address potential impacts on freedom of expression.
  • The process for handling datasets could disproportionately affect certain communities.
Progress

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