Canada’s spy agency has issued a warning that China and India are highly likely to attempt interference in the country’s general election on April 28, with Russia and Pakistan also posing potential threats.
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) highlighted these concerns during a press conference on Monday, stating that foreign interference tactics have evolved, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role in election meddling.
“The People’s Republic of China is highly likely to use AI-enabled tools to attempt to interfere with Canada’s democratic process in this current election,” said Vanessa Lloyd, CSIS deputy director of operations.
Relations between Canada and both China and India have been tense in recent years. Beijing recently imposed tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian agricultural and food products in retaliation for Canadian levies on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum. Additionally, Canada strongly condemned China last week after four Canadian citizens were executed on drug smuggling charges.
Tensions with India also remain high. Last year, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including the head of mission, over allegations of involvement in a plot against Sikh separatists in Canada.
“We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes,” Lloyd added.
Both China and India have previously denied accusations of election interference. An official inquiry concluded in January that while foreign interference efforts took place during Canada’s 2019 and 2021 elections, they did not affect the final outcomes.
CSIS also warned of potential interference from Russia and Pakistan, though the extent of their involvement remains unclear. Lloyd emphasized that while it is difficult to draw a direct link between foreign meddling and election results, such actions could weaken public trust in Canada’s democratic institutions.
The Chinese and Indian diplomatic missions in Ottawa did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
