Carney government accused of dragging its feet on foreign agent registry

Opposition MPs, national-security experts, and human-rights activists are criticizing the federal government for delays in establishing a foreign agent registry. The previous Liberal government, led by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, passed legislation in June 2024 to create the registry and appoint a commissioner to oversee it. However, the current government under Prime Minister Mark Carney has yet to announce a start date for the legislation or select a commissioner.

Conservative foreign-affairs critic Michael Chong expressed frustration, stating, “For a government that promised to work quickly, it’s disappointing that the registry is still not operational.” Interim NDP Leader Don Davies also voiced concern, highlighting the ongoing threats of foreign interference and transnational repression.

The government is expected to consult with opposition parties regarding the commissioner’s appointment. Despite Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s previous statements, discussions have not occurred, delaying the registry’s implementation. Countries like the United States, Australia, and Britain have already established similar registries to address foreign influence.

The need for a registry became apparent after reports of Chinese foreign interference in Canadian politics, leading to a public inquiry conducted by Justice Marie-Josée Hogue. In her reports, Justice Hogue emphasized the urgency of combating foreign interference, particularly from China and India. She described such interference as a threat to Canadian democracy.

Despite assurances from Mr. Anandasangaree’s office about progress, the timeline for appointing a commissioner and launching the registry remains unclear. National-security expert Stephanie Carvin expressed disappointment in the government’s handling of national-security risks identified by the Hogue Inquiry.

Gloria Fung from the Canadian Coalition for a Foreign Influence Transparency Registry criticized the government for what she perceives as a lack of interest in addressing foreign interference. She emphasized the importance of taking action to protect Canada’s institutions and vulnerable communities from such threats.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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