Statement from Commissioner Boegman regarding influence activities in the Alberta referendum

September 22, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario 

Today, Anton Boegman, Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner of Canada, issued the following statement:

“The Office of the Foreign Influence Commissioner of Canada is aware of concerns about foreign influence activities directed at the Alberta referendum.  

The Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act is designed to ensure openness and accountability by making arrangements to influence Canadian political and governmental processes—including provincial referendums—fully transparent in a public registry.  By making these activities transparent, Canadians will have greater insight into how influence is exercised, on whose behalf, and how decision-making may be shaped.

The Office proactively communicated with individuals and organizations that may have a reporting requirement under the Act.

Participants engaged in arrangements with foreign principals to influence Canadian political or governmental processes are encouraged to visit the Office’s website at Canada.ca/foreign-influence to understand the requirements of the Act and register their arrangements. 

Arrangements that began before August 4, 2026 and remain active must be registered no later than October 3, 2026.

Arrangements that began on or after August 4, 2026 must be registered within 14 days of the start of the arrangement. 

Failure to comply with the Act may result in compliance and enforcement measures, including administrative monetary penalties.”