Similar patterns of transnational repression identified by different diaspora groups suggests governments are learning from one another and exploiting Canada’s vulnerabilities on our own soil.

By Marie Lamensch | The Walrus

Summary

Earlier this year, the Hogue Commission’s investigation of foreign interference in Canada heard from witnesses who described the impact of transnational repression (TNR) on their lives and communities. Despite complaints to Canadian authorities, many individuals reported a lack of protection and response from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other government agencies. This has left targets of TNR feeling vulnerable and without adequate support to address the threats they face.

The testimonies from members of different diaspora groups, including the Uyghur, Iranian, Falun Gong and Rwandan communities, highlight similar patterns of TNR which suggests that foreign governments may be learning from one another and exploiting vulnerabilities within Canada. The tactics described utilized by the governments of China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India and Rwanda include using family members in the home country as leverage, following and monitoring individuals in Canada, and employing digital surveillance and censorship to control online discourse.

Hogue specifically wrote in her initial report that TNR “is perhaps the greatest harm Canada has suffered as a result of foreign interference” and acknowledged that “while all Canadians are victims of foreign interference, the impacts of the latter are more present within some diaspora communities.”

The scale of foreign interference and the challenges in addressing TNR have raised questions about Canada’s ability to protect its citizens and uphold democratic freedoms in the face of these threats.

In June, a report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP), based on more than 5,000 documents and pieces of evidence, suggested that some Canadian parliamentarians may be knowingly or unknowingly involved in foreign interference efforts. The report also mentioned the presence of overseas police stations in Canada operated by the People’s Republic of China, which are used to monitor and collect intelligence on former PRC residents living in the country.

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