The federal Foreign Interference Commission in Canada intends to implement measures in the coming months that will allow individuals who fear retaliation to request protection for their identity and other information provided when participating in the inquiry into foreign interference. A Jan. 3 Notice to the Public from the commission stated that individuals may feel vulnerable to reprisals when testifying or providing information, and thus, measures will be put in place to protect their identity and certain information.
The inquiry was launched in response to allegations of Beijing’s meddling in Canadian federal elections in 2019 and 2021. However, the commission’s decision to grant “full standing” to individuals facing allegations of involvement in foreign interference, such as MP Han Dong and former Ontario cabinet minister Michael Chan, has been met with criticism. Some members of the Chinese diaspora have expressed concerns that their involvement could compromise the safety and confidentiality of witnesses.
Despite objections, the commissioner upheld her decision, stating that the concerns should be addressed through the rules and procedures set out by the commission. These rules offer various measures to ensure the safety and security of individuals providing information, including the ability to redact irrelevant personal information and request special accommodations for presenting testimony. Moreover, the commission has established an email address where the public can send information in confidence, and the commission has put strict internal measures in place to ensure confidentiality.
In response to concerns raised about the safety of individuals providing testimony, the Commission has issued a Notice detailing the measures in place to protect the safety and confidentiality of those participating in the inquiry. The Commission’s decision to grant “full standing” to certain individuals involved in the inquiry has been met with criticism, particularly from members of the Chinese diaspora who fear this could compromise the safety and confidentiality of witnesses. Despite objections, the commissioner upheld her decision, citing the rules and procedures established by the commission to ensure the safety and security of individuals providing information. The commission has also established an email address where the public can send information in confidence, and has put in place strict internal measures to ensure the confidentiality of any information provided.