January 8, 2026
RED FM News Desk
The federal government estimates that nearly 2,500 individuals or businesses in Canada are working covertly on behalf of foreign states to influence domestic politics and government decision-making, and would be required to publicly register under proposed new rules.
The estimate is contained in draft regulations for Canada’s long-awaited foreign agent registry, published on Saturday. While the Liberals had previously indicated the registry would be operational by last year, the government has yet to appoint a Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner to oversee and enforce the system.
The proposed regulations outline the information that individuals and organizations would be required to disclose when acting on behalf of a foreign government to influence Canadian political processes or public institutions. This information would be submitted to the commissioner once the registry is formally established.
Ottawa is also proposing significant penalties for non-compliance. Fines for failing to register or follow disclosure requirements would range from $50 to as much as $1 million, underscoring the government’s intent to strengthen transparency and counter foreign interference.
Once implemented, the registry is expected to serve as a key tool in exposing foreign influence activities and bolstering public confidence in Canada’s democratic institutions.
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