Government of Canada Brings Key Provisions of Countering Foreign Interference Act into Legal Force

OTTAWA, ON — The Government of Canada announced that key statutory enforcement provisions of the Countering Foreign Interference Act (formerly Bill C-70) have officially entered into legal force following an Order in Council published in the Canada Gazette.

Strengthening Democratic Integrity and National Security

The enacted provisions establish new Criminal Code offenses for deceptive or covert acts conducted on behalf of foreign state entities to influence parliamentary proceedings, democratic elections, or community diaspora groups. The statute also equips the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) with updated intelligence-sharing authorities to brief municipal mayors, provincial premiers, and university research institutions regarding specific threat vectors.

Public safety and justice ministers stated that defending Canadian democratic institutions against foreign interference is essential to protecting national sovereignty and safeguarding diverse cultural communities.

Transparency Registry Framework

Public Safety Canada is finalizing operational staffing for the Office of the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner, which will oversee public registration requirements for individuals lobbying on behalf of foreign principals.

Civil liberties federations emphasized the necessity of transparent administrative guidelines to prevent disproportionate scrutiny of lawful diplomatic or cultural exchange programs.

Full Registry Launch Timeline

The digital Foreign Influence Transparency Registry portal will officially launch for public filings in November 2026.