Election Interference Alert Threats Are Ramping Up In Canada

City skyline with Canadian flag and boats visible

Canada faces unprecedented foreign threats to its upcoming federal election as China, Russia, and India are expected to engage in covert interference using advanced methods, while citizens are reminded to be vigilant about online privacy.

Key Takeaways

China, Russia, India, and potentially Pakistan will attempt to illegally influence Canada’s federal election using increasingly sophisticated methods
Foreign actors may use AI, social media manipulation, and target specific communities like Chinese Canadians
Canada has activated the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol to protect electoral integrity
The Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force will provide regular updates on election threats
Citizens are encouraged to be vigilant about both election interference and online privacy threats

Multiple Foreign Powers Target Canadian Democracy

Canada’s Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force has identified China, Russia, and India as the primary foreign actors expected to interfere in the upcoming federal election. Each country is anticipated to employ distinct strategies to influence Canadian voters and potentially undermine democratic processes. China will likely deploy artificial intelligence to specifically target Chinese Canadian communities, while India may leverage its extensive networks within Canada to advance its geopolitical interests.

Russia is expected to focus on information manipulation through social media platforms and news websites to spread disinformation to Canadian audiences. Pakistan has also been identified as a potential threat actor, possibly attempting to counter India’s global influence through election interference. These threats come as Canada officially entered its election period on March 23, 2025, activating the country’s Critical Election Incident Public Protocol.

Evolving Interference Techniques Create Detection Challenges

The methods used by foreign actors have become increasingly sophisticated since Canada’s 2021 election, making interference harder to identify and counter. Vanessa Lloyd, spokesperson for the SITE task force, explained the growing challenge: “Most threat actors remain likely to conduct threat activities and have likely adapted their tradecraft to further conceal their foreign interference activity, making it even more challenging to detect.”

The rise of artificial intelligence tools presents a significant new threat, enabling the creation of convincing deepfakes and sophisticated disinformation campaigns. Chinese cyber actors are actively targeting Canadian systems, prompting government officials to urge social media platforms to take action against synthetic content and misinformation. While foreign interference was detected in the 2021 election, Marie-Josée Hogue, who led the Foreign Interference inquiry, determined it did not ultimately impact the election’s result.

Government Response and Protection Measures

In response to these threats, the Canadian government has activated its Critical Election Incident Public Protocol, which provides a framework for communicating with the public about potential election interference. The Protocol operates independently and impartially, guided by the Caretaker Convention that requires government restraint during election periods. A panel will receive regular intelligence briefings and determine if public announcements about interference threats are necessary.

A statement released by the Clerk of the Privy Council read, “Elections are the cornerstone of democracy, empowering citizens to shape the future through their vote. Exercising this democratic right is not only a privilege but a duty that sustains freedom and equality for all. Federal departments and national security agencies across the Government have been working diligently to protect our democracy and institutions from threats that aim to undermine our democratic and electoral processes.”

The government has implemented recommendations from previous assessments and developed Protecting Democracy Toolkits to help citizens identify and build resilience against disinformation. Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism is actively monitoring for foreign disinformation campaigns, while multiple agencies coordinate their efforts through the SITE Task Force. Allen Sutherland, Assistant Secretary to the Cabinet, noted, “Some (recommendations) take a little longer to implement, but we certainly moved on the ones that we can.”

Citizen Awareness and Online Privacy

As election threats mount, Canadians are also being reminded of the importance of protecting their online privacy. Website cookie policies play a crucial role in data collection and tracking, with many sites updating their policies to enhance user understanding and control. These technologies allow content customization and targeted advertisements but can also be exploited by malicious actors. Citizens are encouraged to review cookie settings and make informed decisions about their data sharing preferences.

The convergence of election interference threats and online privacy concerns highlights the need for comprehensive digital vigilance. By understanding both the geopolitical motivations behind foreign interference and the mechanisms of online tracking, Canadians can better protect their democratic processes and personal information. As the election approaches, government officials emphasize that protecting democracy requires collaboration among government agencies, private platforms, and informed citizens.