Minister Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Foreign Interference Watchdog Appointment

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree faced pointed questions on Thursday regarding the delayed appointment of a foreign interference commissioner. This position, intended to oversee foreign influence in Canadian politics, was expected to be filled two months ago, raising concerns among lawmakers.

The discussion took place during a public safety committee meeting focused on Bill C-8, a cybersecurity initiative. Conservative MP Frank Caputo pressed Anandasangaree about the timeline for appointing the commissioner, a measure included in last year’s Bill C-70, which aimed to enhance transparency in the wake of foreign interference allegations.

Caputo’s inquiry was direct: “When was the foreign interference commissioner supposed to be appointed?” He emphasized the importance of a clear response. Anandasangaree replied, “I’ve indicated this a number of times. They will be appointed in short order.” He added that the government was finalizing a candidate and would soon seek feedback from colleagues.

The appointment has been a point of contention since Parliament passed Bill C-70 in June 2024, following revelations about foreign meddling in Canadian politics. This legislation mandated the establishment of a foreign interference transparency commissioner, who would be appointed after consulting recognized opposition parties in the House of Commons. It also proposed a public registry for individuals acting as agents for foreign governments.

In August, Anandasangaree mentioned that the government was actively screening candidates for the role. He had aimed to present these candidates for evaluation by the recognized opposition parties, including the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois, prior to Parliament’s return on September 15.

During the committee meeting, Liberal MP Marianne Dandurand interrupted, suggesting the committee was straying from its agenda. “We’re here to investigate two very different pieces of legislation, Bill C-8 and C-12,” she said in French, arguing that time was being wasted on unrelated topics.

The urgency surrounding the appointment follows a report from last year, which indicated that some members of Parliament were “witting or semi-witting” participants in foreign interference efforts. The report implicated eleven political candidates and thirteen staff members who were either connected to foreign threat actors or directly affected by their activities.

“This is a serious issue of foreign interference,” Caputo asserted, referencing the eleven parliamentarians under suspicion. He expressed frustration at Anandasangaree’s lack of a specific timeline, stating, “Canadians expect seriousness on foreign interference … and for that, you should be reflective on whether or not you’re doing your job.”

The ongoing delay highlights the challenges the Canadian government faces in addressing foreign interference, which continues to be a pressing concern in the realm of national security. As discussions unfold, stakeholders await clarity on the appointment’s timeline, which remains crucial for restoring public confidence in the oversight of foreign influence in Canadian affairs.