Government of Canada’s launch of a public consultation on legislative amendments to counter foreign interference

November 24, 2023
Ottawa, Ontario

Today, the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Arif Virani, announced the launch of an additional public consultation on foreign interference that proposes amendments to legislation that includes the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act.

When the CSIS Act was first established in 1984, it was a modern, flexible, and forward-looking statute that enabled CSIS to adapt to the threats facing Canada and Canadians. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case; technological advancement has significantly altered the threat landscape making the work of CSIS more complex than ever before. Bolstered by advanced technology, threat actors are actively undermining Canada’s national security, while targeting Canadians in the process.

Therefore, amendments to the CSIS Act, that respect Charter-protected rights, are necessary to ensure that CSIS is equipped with the proper authorities to address the challenges of the significantly more complex, legal, operational, and technological environment in which we operate. For instance, amendments on how CSIS shares information with Canadians would undoubtedly increase Canada’s overall resiliency by allowing CSIS to provide Canadians with the necessary information to identify, and mitigate national security threats. Fulfilling the mandate of protecting Canada’s national security against sophisticated threats like foreign interference, requires that CSIS have the appropriate authorities to operate in a modern landscape.

The launch of the public consultation on the CSIS Act is for Canadians to share their views on how CSIS should continue to protect Canada’s national security, while also continuing to protect the rights and freedoms of people in Canada. As pernicious national security threats, including foreign interference, affect all Canadians, we want to hear from you. Canadians are encouraged to participate and share their perspectives through the consultation webpage. Online submissions will be accepted until February 2, 2024.