Rules, laws and regulations: Foreign influence
Information about the rules and regulations that govern foreign influence transparency in Canada.
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Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act
The Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act establishes:
- the independent Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner
- the public registry of foreign influence activities
The goal of the Act is to promote transparency for foreign influence activities in Canada.
Under the Act, any person that enters into an arrangement with a foreign principal to influence Canadian government or political processes must register and disclose these activities. This applies to individuals and entities.
This legislation applies to activities done in relation to political or governmental processes at all levels of government in Canada, including municipal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous.
However, at this time, the requirements do not apply to certain activities involving Indigenous governing bodies (such as band councils, Indigenous governments or institutions) and their members, staff or employees, which are not currently subject to registration.
Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act
Regulations
The Regulations for the Administration of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act explain how the Act is applied in practice. The regulations set out:
- the information individuals and organizations must provide when registering arrangements with foreign principals
- the timelines for providing updates
- the information that will and will not be published in the registry
- the Commissioner's authorities to share certain information with other government bodies under specific conditions
- processes for applying administrative monetary penalties
Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Regulations
Interpretation bulletins
The Commissioner has issued interpretation bulletins and advisory opinions. These bulletins relate to the enforcement, interpretation, or application of the Act.