Canada's next election likely to face AI-assisted interference, watchdogs say

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[Intelligence adviser Nathalie] Drouin said officials did see some attempts to interfere during the last election, such as an attempt by China to affect a Conservative candidate's campaign, attempts by Russia to engage in foreign interference activities online and attempts to use the names of politicians to promote cryptocurrency and financial activities.

However, Drouin said the attempts officials detected did not reach a level that would have affected election results.

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However, Conservative MP Michael Cooper challenged Drouin and Morrison on that conclusion — pointing to the experience of Toronto-area candidate Joe Tay. Tay, a supporter of democracy in Hong Kong, has been targeted by Hong Kong authorities, who have put a bounty on his head.

Cooper said Tay and his supporters received threats during the campaign and Tay was advised not to campaign door-to-door for his own safety. Cooper said there was a drop in voter turnout in the riding and some of Tay's supporters were summoned to the Chinese consulate.

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While much of the focus on potential foreign interference in Canadian elections has centred on countries like China and Russia, Liberal MP Elisabeth Brière asked whether attempts to interfere in Canada's next election could come from the United States.

Drouin said officials will be watching for potential interference, regardless of where it comes from.

"Canada has expectations regarding all countries, including the United States, that there is … no damage to our domestic affairs including our elections," she said.

"We will monitor the situation in an agnostic way — regardless of which country tries to engage in foreign interference."

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