Undeclared Foreign Agents: Canada's Sovereignty Under Siege – A Call for Unity Against Foreign Meddling
- Jason
- Jan 9
- 5 min read
January 9th, 2026
by: Jason LaFace
In a nation as vast and welcoming as Canada, our openness has long been a strength. But recent revelations paint a troubling picture: an estimated 1,550 businesses and 872 individuals operating as undeclared foreign agents within our borders. These figures, drawn from the Government of Canada's own projections in the Canada Gazette for the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act, aren't just statistics—they represent a stealthy erosion of our democratic institutions. As conservatives, we've warned for years about the dangers of lax national security policies under successive Liberal governments. But this isn't a partisan issue; it's a threat to every Canadian, regardless of political stripe. Left-leaning voters, who champion human rights, multiculturalism, and fair governance, should see this as a bipartisan rallying cry. Foreign interference undermines the very progressive values you hold dear—equality, justice, and protection from authoritarian overreach. It's time to support stronger, conservative-led measures to safeguard our country before it's too late.
The Alarming Estimates: A Registry Long Overdue
The numbers stem from the proposed regulations under Bill C-70, the Countering Foreign Interference Act, passed in June 2024. This legislation mandates a public registry for those engaging in influence activities on behalf of foreign principals, targeting political or governmental processes without declaration.
The government estimates that around 2,422 entities—1,550 businesses and 872 individuals—will need to register once the system is fully operational. These aren't wild guesses; they're based on comparisons with Australia's Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme, adjusted for Canada's context.
Yet, these projections highlight a deeper problem: for too long, Canada has been a soft target for foreign actors. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has repeatedly flagged "steady, and in some cases increasing, foreign interference activity by state actors."
China, India, Russia, and Iran top the list, using proxies to sway elections, intimidate diaspora communities, and manipulate economic policies. Conservatives like Pierre Poilievre have pushed for tougher laws, criticizing the Trudeau Liberals for dragging their feet. Remember, it was under Liberal watch that foreign meddling flourished unchecked. Left-leaning Canadians, who value transparency and accountability, must recognize that weak enforcement allows authoritarians to exploit our system, harming the vulnerable immigrants and refugees your policies seek to protect.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Intrusion
Foreign interference in Canada isn't new—it's a persistent threat that's escalated over the past decade. The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) released a damning report in 2024, revealing "pervasive and sustained foreign interference activities" targeting our democratic processes.
CSIS has documented cases where foreign states fund nominations, spread disinformation, and coerce politicians. This isn't abstract; it's real-world sabotage.
Take the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. A public inquiry led by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue found that while the overall integrity held, foreign actors—primarily China—interfered in specific ridings. Reports detailed busloads of ineligible voters, targeted harassment of conservative candidates, and covert funding funneled through diaspora networks. - The inquiry criticized Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for not acting swiftly, allowing vulnerabilities to persist.
In 2023, leaks revealed CSIS had intelligence on Chinese operatives targeting MPs like Michael Chong, a Conservative, and his family abroad.
These aren't isolated incidents. Back in 2018, Canada expelled Russian diplomats in solidarity with the UK over the Salisbury poisoning, citing interference in democratic processes. More recently, in 2024, India was implicated in violent extremism, leading to reciprocal expulsions.
The pattern is clear: authoritarian regimes test our resolve, and under Liberal leadership, we've often failed to push back hard enough. Conservatives advocate for proactive defense—beefing up CSIS powers and closing loopholes. Progressives, think about it: this interference disproportionately affects minority communities, stifling the voices of those fleeing oppression. Supporting conservative policies here aligns with your fight for global human rights.
The Chinese Police Stations Scandal: A Breach of Trust
Perhaps nothing illustrates the audacity of foreign interference more than the alleged "overseas police stations" operated by China. In 2022, the NGO Safeguard Defenders exposed a network of 110 such stations worldwide, including several in Canada—in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
These weren't benign community centers; they were accused of intimidating Chinese-Canadians, monitoring dissidents, and enforcing Beijing's will on foreign soil.
The RCMP launched investigations in 2023, probing sites like the Service à la Famille Chinoise du Grand Montréal and Centre Sino-Québec de la Rive-Sud. By September 2025, the probes closed without charges, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution—but the damage was done. Community groups reported harassment, funding cuts, and a chilling effect on free speech. This fiasco left many Canadians—especially those from Chinese heritage—feeling abandoned by their government. How could foreign agents set up shop in our cities without swift repercussions?
This erodes faith in institutions like the RCMP and CSIS, making ordinary Canadians question if our agencies are equipped to handle such threats. Under Trudeau, delays and downplaying allowed this to fester. Conservatives demand accountability: mandatory expulsion of implicated diplomats and stricter oversight. To left-leaning voters: imagine the fear in diaspora communities—it's a human rights crisis at home. Backing conservative calls for robust action protects the multiculturalism you cherish, ensuring Canada remains a safe haven, not a playground for tyrants.
Diplomats and Their Associates: The Hidden Hand in Policy Manipulation
Foreign diplomats aren't just envoys; too often, they're tools for manipulation. In 2023, Canada expelled Chinese diplomat Zhao Wei for targeting MP Michael Chong over his criticism of Uyghur genocide.
China retaliated by expelling a Canadian consul, escalating tensions.
In 2024, six Indian diplomats, including the high commissioner, were booted for links to homicides and extortion targeting Sikh separatists.
India responded in kind, but the message was clear: Canada won't tolerate violence on our soil.
These aren't one-offs. Diplomats from Russia, Iran, and others use "grey zone" tactics—cyberattacks, disinformation, and economic coercion—to sway policies on trade, energy, and immigration.
Associates, including businesses and individuals, lobby covertly, as the new registry aims to expose. Conservatives like Poilievre have called out Liberal softness on China, noting ties like Mark Carney's pivot toward Beijing amid interference warnings.
This isn't about xenophobia; it's about sovereignty. Left-leaning friends, your emphasis on diplomacy is noble, but naivety invites exploitation. Join conservatives in demanding transparency—it's how we preserve progressive gains like inclusive policies without foreign strings attached.
Reaching Across the Aisle: Why Left-Leaning Voters Should Support Conservative Action
This isn't red vs. blue; it's Canada vs. foreign predators. Left-leaning voters, you've fought for social justice, environmental protections, and immigrant rights. But foreign interference corrodes these: it silences voices, rigs economies for exploiters, and fosters division. The Liberals' delays—outdated CSIS laws, slow responses—have left us vulnerable.
Conservatives offer practical solutions: enhanced registries, diplomat vetting, and alliances with Five Eyes partners to counter threats.
Think of it as defending democracy together. Progressives, your ideals thrive in a secure nation. Supporting Poilievre's push for accountability isn't abandoning your values—it's ensuring they endure. As one conservative voice noted, "Canada needs to pick a side and soon." Let's unite against this common enemy.
Conclusion: Time for Conservative Leadership to Restore Security
With 2,422 potential undeclared agents, Chinese "police stations," and diplomat expulsions, Canada's wake-up call is deafening. The Liberal era of complacency must end. Conservatives stand ready with bold reforms to protect our institutions, economy, and people. To all Canadians—left, right, and center—join us in this fight. Vote for strength, sovereignty, and a secure future. Our democracy depends on it.
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