Canada Enacts Foreign Influence Transparency Registry Mandating Disclosures Under Bill C-70

OTTAWA, ON — Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the official statutory implementation of the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry under the enacted Countering Foreign Interference Act (Bill C-70), creating a publicly accessible federal disclosure database for foreign advocacy.

Safeguarding Canadian Democratic Institutions and Diaspora Communities

The statutory framework mandates that any individual or entity entering into an arrangement with a foreign state or state-controlled enterprise to lobby public office holders, distribute political communications, or influence public policy must register with the independent Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner within 14 days. Failure to register or providing false information carries severe statutory criminal penalties, including fines up to $5 million and maximum prison terms of five years, while providing exemptions for accredited diplomatic personnel.

Prime Minister Carney stated that protecting Canada's democracy and national sovereignty requires full transparency and vigilance against covert foreign political interference.

National Security Experts and Diaspora Organizations Support

Canadian security intelligence analysts and civil society organizations commended the clear registration thresholds and criminal penalties for foreign coercion.

Diaspora community advocacy groups praised the registry for protecting immigrant communities from extraterritorial political harassment.

Public Registry Portal Launch

The online public transparency portal will begin accepting registrations on September 15, 2026.