Question Period Note: Implementation of the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry

In June 2024 the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) received Royal Assent. The FITAA created the position of a Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner (Commissioner) and established a built-for Canada Foreign Influence Transparency Registry (FITR).

• Canada’s democracy is the foundation of our freedom and prosperity. As foreign interference grows more sophisticated, our government is committed to protecting democratic institutions and our national security.

• While most foreign actors engage through legitimate means like diplomacy and trade, some cross the line into covert influence.

• That’s why Parliament passed Bill C-70, which includes the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA). Once in force, the FITAA will establish a foreign influence transparency registry, deter unlawful influence, and raise public awareness on this issue. It will also introduce administrative and criminal penalties for non-compliance.

• The Government of Canada is working diligently to implement this regime, recognizing that similar systems in the UK and Australia took over two years to operationalize.

Context
Following Royal Assent, Public Safety Canada (PS) has taken key steps to operationalize the Office of the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner (FITCO). This includes supporting the appointment of the Commissioner, developing and implementing the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry (FITR), drafting associated regulations, and building the necessary information management and technology (IM/IT) infrastructure.
FITCO will operate independently, though it will be housed within Public Safety and supported by public servants.
The FITAA project is being advanced through three main streams:
• Administration – including finance, HR, IM/IT, and accommodations;
• Policy and Engagement – covering regulatory development, outreach, and communications;
• Investigations and Compliance – focusing on operational policies, information sharing, and investigative planning.
Significant progress has been made across all of the streams. While the initial goal was to have the legislation in force before the fixed federal election in October 2025, the dissolution of Parliament on March 23, 2025, allowed for a reassessment of timelines and scope. The project’s complexity—spanning legal, regulatory, technological, and administrative domains—requires careful coordination.
Key considerations include the need for approved funding through a treasury board submission, finalized regulations, and the readiness of the registry. The Commissioner must be appointed by the Governor in Council, following approval by both the House of Commons and the Senate. The successful launch of FITCO depends on these interdependent elements aligning effectively.  

If Pressed
Q1 - Concerns that the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry could be perceived as targeting Canadian minorities
• The Government of Canada understands concerns that the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry could unfairly impact minority communities.
• However, protecting rights and freedoms is a top priority, and the legislation was developed with full respect for the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
• During the legislation process, we engaged in broad consultations—nearly 1,000 online responses and over 80 meetings with stakeholders from diverse communities, advocacy groups, religious organizations, and professional associations.
• As we move forward, we’ll keep consulting—especially with those most at risk of being the target of foreign interference. Our goal is to strengthen democracy while respecting the rights of all Canadians.
Q2 – Concerns with the time it is taking to operationalize the FITCO and the Registry
• Public Safety Canada is working to launch the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner’s Office (FITCO) efficiently and effectively. As we speak, the government is:
o Consulting with key groups,
o Setting clear rules with real consequences for non-compliance;
o Identifying the best technology available to host the registry, and,
o Developing strategies to raise awareness about the importance of the registry.
• Although the original goal was to launch by October 2025, the dissolution of Parliament in March allowed for a revised timeline.
• Establishing a new, independent office takes time. Our allies, like Australia and the U.K., took over two years to implement similar systems. Canada is learning from their experiences to build the best registry possible.
Q3 – When will a Commissioner be appointed?
• The Government of Canada remains firmly committed to finding effective and efficient ways to prevent, deter, and counter acts of malign foreign influence and interference targeting our country.
• The appointment of a Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner will represent a key milestone in Canada’s ongoing efforts to combat foreign interference.
• At the same time, the government is dedicated to ensuring that the appointment process is transparent, fair, and impartial.
• To uphold the Commissioner’s independence, the appointment will only proceed following resolutions passed by both the House of Commons and the Senate.