The federal government is proposing to fine people and organizations up to $1 million for failing to meet the requirements of its planned plan. foreign influence transparency register.
The newly published draft regulations are another step towards the creation of the registry, which was enshrined in law passed in 2024 as part of a package of measures to counter foreign interference.
The proposed regulations define key terms and describe information that individuals and entities would be required to provide when entering into agreements with foreign principals to influence political or governmental activities in Canada.
Ottawa says the registry is needed because countries involved in foreign interference to achieve political goals can hire people to act on their behalf without disclosing those connections.
Individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and educational institutions will be among those required to register with the federal government to help protect against such activity.
Data in the public registry will include identifying information about the individuals and entities entering into the agreement, information about the foreign principal, and detailed information about each agreement, including its purpose and the types of influence activities involved.
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An independent commissioner, who has not yet been named, will administer the registration scheme, which will be enforced through notices, monetary fines and, in the most serious cases, criminal penalties.
“By requiring specific information that will be available on a public record, the proposed rules will provide Canadians with a clear and accessible tool to see who is engaging in foreign influence, the nature of their activities and any enforcement actions taken,” says a federal notice accompanying the draft measures.
“Such visibility will help reassure the public that influence activities are being monitored and addressed appropriately.”
The federal government expects approximately 1,767 registrants to provide information annually, as well as an additional 54 new registrants each year, the notice said.
Canada lags behind key allies such as the US, UK and Australia in implementing specific legislation and regulations aimed at combating hidden and opaque foreign influence, the notice adds.
“The proposed rules will help close this gap by creating a robust transparency framework consistent with international best practice,” the report said. “This alliance will also strengthen Canada’s credibility as a trusted partner in promoting global security and protecting democratic institutions.”
Violations of this regime may include failure to provide information within 14 days of entering into an agreement with a foreign principal or knowingly providing false or misleading information to the Commissioner.
The proposed regulations would set civil monetary penalties for violations at between $50 million and $1 million.
In determining the amount of the fine, the commissioner will consider factors such as the person or organization's compliance history, whether the violation was intentional or unintentional, ability to pay, and the degree of cooperation with the commissioner after receiving notice of the violation.
The proposed rules would allow the commissioner to enter into compliance agreements, which could mean a reduced fine — or no fine at all — if a person or entity meets certain conditions within an agreed-upon period of time.
Public Safety Canada consulted with key stakeholders to help develop the proposed regulations, the notice said. Participants included provincial and territorial governments, civil society organizations, diaspora communities, public interest law firms, international partners and national security experts.
Members of the public have 30 days to comment on the proposed regulations, which appear in the Canada Gazette.
© 2026 The Canadian Press
