ISLAMABAD: Canada has issued a warning that China and India are likely to attempt to interfere in the country’s upcoming general election, with Russia also posing a potential threat, according to the nation’s intelligence agency.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) made the statements amid ongoing tensions between Canada and both India and China. Both Beijing and New Delhi have previously denied allegations of interference.
While Canada was slow to react to attempts by China and India to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 elections, an official investigation concluded in January that their interference did not impact the results.
Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at CSIS, addressed a press conference, highlighting how hostile state actors are increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to influence elections.
“The PRC (People’s Republic of China) is highly likely to use AI-powered tools to attempt to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this election,” she stated.
Earlier this month, Beijing imposed tariffs on more than $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum last year. Additionally, Canada condemned China’s execution of four Canadian citizens on drug smuggling charges.
In response to allegations involving Indian diplomats, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the head of mission, over claims of involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists within Canada.
“We have also seen that the government of India has both the intent and the capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes,” Lloyd added.
The Chinese and Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa were not immediately available for comment.
Lloyd also pointed out that Russia could engage in foreign interference activities against Canada.
“Establishing a direct link between foreign interference and election outcomes can be challenging, but such threats can undermine public trust in the integrity of Canada’s democratic systems,” she said.
