Conservative MP Michael Cooper is urging Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to testify before a parliamentary committee, citing concerns about the state of Canada’s new foreign influence registry. Cooper, in a recent interview with CBC News, pointed to issues highlighted during Foreign Influence Commissioner Anton Boegman’s appearance before the committee on Tuesday. Cooper emphasized that despite Boegman assuming office legally on Aug. 4, the public safety department had ample time, nearly two-and-a-half years, following Parliament’s adoption of the legislation mandating the foreign influence registry, to ensure proper implementation.
Following Boegman’s revelations about the registry’s limited entries, Cooper stressed the importance of Minister Anandasangaree appearing before the committee to address the current state of affairs and steps being taken to enforce compliance with the law. Cooper emphasized that registration is mandatory, not optional, under the law.
Although Anandasangaree was invited to appear before the committee on Oct. 6, his unavailability led to the postponement of his appearance. Meanwhile, Boegman disclosed that only two entries have been recorded in the public registry, with an additional 30 submissions made just before the Oct. 4 deadline to register pre-existing foreign government influence arrangements.
The legislation, enacted by Parliament in 2024 and enforced from Aug. 4, requires individuals or entities benefiting from influencing Canadian political processes on behalf of foreign governments to be listed in a public registry. This move was prompted by reports of attempts by foreign entities to interfere in Canadian elections.
During his committee testimony, Boegman acknowledged two privacy breaches in his office since its inauguration in August and cited technical challenges stemming from the initial setup of the IT system as a ‘minimum viable product.’
Cooper criticized the perceived mismanagement and incompetence in the registry’s establishment, noting the low compliance rate and various issues. Anandasangaree defended the foreign influence commissioner’s efforts and stressed that non-compliance would face legal consequences.
Boegman reported reaching out to groups and individuals involved in the Alberta referendum campaign to remind them of their obligation to register if they meet the criteria. Notably, meetings related to Alberta separatism held before the registry’s implementation do not fall under Boegman’s purview.
Former NDP MP Charlie Angus expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the registry’s formation, citing ignored concerns about U.S. interference in Alberta’s sovereignty movement. Angus questioned the seriousness of the authorities in addressing these issues and criticized the response received from the Public Safety Department.
Angus, who supported the legislation creating the registry, condemned Boegman’s stance on pre-registry incidents falling outside his mandate. He emphasized the gravity of foreign interference threats and called for more accountability. Boegman’s office is yet to respond to CBC News inquiries.