By Canadian Press

Former Canadian envoys to China urge Ottawa to launch foreign agent registry

Feb 7, 2023 | 12:24 PM

OTTAWA — Two of Canada’s former envoys to China say Ottawa is enabling foreign interference on Canadian soil by not launching a registry to track those acting on behalf of other countries.

The Liberals have promised to eventually launch consultations on a foreign agent registry, which would require people to publicly report when they are doing paid work on behalf of another state, under threat of fines or jail time.

But Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino warned on Monday that such a database must be carefully considered, as it could stigmatize communities who have felt targeted by security agencies in the past.

Former ambassador to China David Mulroney says that the bigger threat comes from foreign agents threatening residents’ families back home and meddling in Canadian politics. 

Mulroney told a House of Commons committee that Canada is enabling Chinese interference by not implementing a registry and getting serious about the issue.

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Charles Burton, another former diplomat posted in China, added that the registry should be communicated as being directed at the broad issue of interference, instead of the meddling of just one country.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 7, 2023.

The Canadian Press