Mandate: About the Office of the Foreign Influence Commissioner of Canada
About the Office
The Office supports the Commissioner in administering the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (the Act) and its associated regulations.
This includes:
- collecting information from people about their foreign influence activities which aim to influence political and governmental processes in Canada
- publishing these activities in a public registry
- providing guidance to people and organizations regarding their registration obligations
- promoting awareness and understanding of transparency requirements
- verifying and upholding compliance with legislative requirements
- deterring non-transparent foreign influence activities and strengthening Canadian national security interests
The Office is responsible for administering foreign influence transparency in Canada. The Office was established to advance transparency of foreign influence activities that relate to public decision-making in Canada. We contribute to strengthening public trust in Canada's democratic institutions by supporting their integrity and encouraging public trust in them.
The establishment of the Office and the creation of the Act are the result of a broader national conversation about protecting democratic institutions and strengthening public trust.
Our principles
We are guided by a core set of principles that shape how we carry out our mandate and interact with Canadians.
Independence
The Commissioner is independent and administers the mandate free from political direction. Independence allows these functions to be exercised impartially and in a non-partisan manner.
Fairness and Integrity
We apply the Act consistently, objectively, and in line with legislative requirements and Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms values. Our decisions are grounded in clear criteria, procedural fairness, and the rule of law.
Accessibility
Our guidance, processes, and registration requirements are designed to be clear, understandable, and easy to navigate. We are committed to providing practical and timely information, as well as responsive support to stakeholders seeking to understand their obligations.
Transparency
We promote openness in foreign influence activities that fall within the scope of the Act. The public registry provides accessible information about who is working with foreign principals to influence government or political processes in Canada. This transparency supports informed public discussions and strengthens democratic accountability.
Our role in Canada's democratic safeguards
Canada is often targeted by foreign states, or those working with them, to advance their own strategic objectives. Often this is done through established diplomatic channels, which is considered legitimate foreign influence and is sufficiently transparent to Canadians.
In other cases, the influence activities are less transparent. Foreign principals, or individuals and entities working with them, may seek to influence Canada through other means, such as communicating with public office holders, the public, or distributing money or services. These activities may be less transparent and are therefore required to be registered and made public through the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act.
Our role is to administer all aspects of this legislation, and enhance transparency around foreign influence activities in Canada. This work complements the mandates of national security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies that deal with malicious and non-transparent foreign influence activities.
Federal government actions on foreign influence activities
Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Espionage and Foreign Interference - Canada.ca
Communications Security Establishment of Canda
Cyber Threats to Canada's Democratic Process: 2025 Update - Canadian Centre for Cyber Security
Democratic Institutions
Elections Canada
Understanding Foreign Interference
Global Affairs Canada
Rapid Response Mechanism Canada: Global Affairs Canada