CSIS Report Reveals Alleged Interference by India and Pakistan in Canadian Elections

Canada’s intelligence agency has implicated both the Indian and Pakistani governments in potential interference in Canadian elections, according to recent revelations.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) released a report indicating a rise in the number of countries eyeing Canada, especially its substantial diaspora communities, for covert activities. The report suggests India showed intent to interfere and likely engaged in clandestine actions during the 2021 Canadian federal election, employing a government proxy agent to offer illicit financial backing to pro-Indian candidates.

CSIS defines proxy agents as individuals who take direction from a foreign state while concealing the link between influence activities and the state. Furthermore, it implies India focused on electoral districts where Indo-Canadian voters sympathized with Pakistan or supported a separate state movement.

Similarly, in 2019, CSIS noted attempts by Pakistani government officials in Canada to clandestinely influence Canadian federal politics to advance Pakistan’s interests. However, CSIS classified Pakistan as a “limited foreign interference actor” and reported that the Canadian government executed measures to mitigate the threat posed by Pakistan.

These disclosures from CSIS emerge amidst claims by the former Conservative party leader that a foreign misinformation campaign, allegedly led by China, may have cost his party up to nine seats in the election. Erin O’Toole resigned as leader following the electoral setback, expressing belief that a more assertive stance towards China might have intimidated some voters.

Meanwhile, the public inquiry into foreign interference, initially criticized for its handling, has continued to garner attention. Initially, concerns were raised regarding Chinese meddling in Canadian elections, prompting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to appoint David Johnston to investigate. However, Johnston’s resignation due to perceived political bias led to the appointment of Marie-Josée Hogue, a Quebec appeals court judge, to lead the inquiry.

The disclosure of documents implicating India in election interference adds strain to Canada-India relations, especially following Trudeau’s statement in September regarding “credible allegations” of Indian officials’ involvement in the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada.

The inquiry, which has heard testimonies from various governmental bodies, continues to unfold against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny and geopolitical tensions.