Ottawa proposes fines of up to $1M for violating foreign influence registry rules

The federal government has proposed fining people and organizations up to $1 million for failing to comply with the requirements of its planned foreign influence transparency registry.

Newly published draft regulations are another step toward establishing the registry, which was set out in legislation passed in 2024 as part of a package of measures to counter foreign interference.

The proposed regulations define key terms and describe the information individuals and entities would have to provide when entering into arrangements with foreign principals, which are entities owned or directed by foreign governments, to influence Canadian political or government activities.

Ottawa says the registry is needed because countries engaging in foreign interference to advance political goals might employ people to act on their behalf without disclosing those ties.

Individuals, businesses, non-profit organizations and educational institutions would be among those expected to register with the federal government to help guard against such activity.

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The federal government expects about 1,767 registrants would submit information annually, with an additional 54 new registrants each year, the notice says.

Canada has fallen behind key allies, such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia, on implementing dedicated legislation and regulations to address covert and non-transparent foreign influence, the notice adds.

"The proposed regulations would help close this gap by establishing a strong transparency framework aligned with the best international practices," it says. "This alignment would also strengthen Canada's credibility as a trusted partner in advancing global security and protecting democratic institutions."

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Members of the public have 30 days to comment on the proposed regulations, which appear in the Canada Gazette.