Head of Canada’s diplomatic service holds interference briefing for foreign diplomats

Canada’s Deputy Minister of Global Affairs, David Morrison, recently addressed international diplomats on the topic of foreign interference, aiming to clarify any confusion that may have arisen due to the increased scrutiny on the issue in the country. With the ongoing public inquiry into foreign interference and the media coverage surrounding it, diplomats had legitimate questions about where the line between influence and meddling lies.

Morrison emphasized the distinction between interference and influence, stating that it is the role of diplomats to engage in the latter. He reassured Canadians that the integrity of the last two general elections was not compromised by foreign meddling, as confirmed by an interim report released in May. However, he acknowledged the need to address concerns and set clear guidelines for diplomatic missions operating in Canada.

During a briefing held on November 21, Morrison outlined the expectations for foreign diplomats, emphasizing that while they are allowed to publicly endorse or oppose Canadian government policies, they must refrain from spreading disinformation or undermining public confidence in Canadian democracy. The briefing also highlighted the importance of overt engagement with Canadians and officials, while clandestine influence and deceptive behavior were deemed unacceptable.

Larisa Galadza, who works within the department’s democratic resilience bureau, stressed the need to avoid even the perception of crossing the line, especially in light of heightened public awareness of interference. She underscored that seeking to control or unduly influence diaspora communities is unacceptable, and immigrants have the right to express criticism of their home countries.

Morrison explained that the briefing aimed to ensure that all accredited diplomats understood the rules in Canada, as interpretations of influence and interference may vary across different national contexts. While Global Affairs Canada does not actively monitor the behavior of foreign diplomats, they rely on diplomatic channels and security officials to report any concerning activities.

Looking ahead to future challenges, Morrison expressed concerns about the evolving nature of foreign interference, particularly the use of artificial intelligence in attacks. He highlighted the threat of deepfakes, which can deceive individuals by presenting false videos or images of politicians. As such, he emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adaptation in defending against foreign interference.

In conclusion, Global Affairs Canada remains committed to safeguarding Canadian democracy and ensuring that foreign diplomats operate within the boundaries of acceptable conduct. By providing clear guidelines and engaging in diplomatic dialogue, the department aims to uphold the integrity of the democratic process in Canada.