Hon. Daryl Fridhandler: Minister, as I raised last week in this chamber, credible evidence before an Alberta court has warned that the ongoing Alberta referendum campaigns, particularly the separatist questions, are vulnerable to foreign interference, including through organizations that openly seek support and close ties with the United States.

Elections Alberta has no specific foreign interference mandate or capacity to investigate foreign interference risks. However, Elections Canada controls illegal financial contributions by prohibited persons. As the responsible minister, what specific steps is your department taking to respond to foreign interference, actual or threatened, related to the October 19 nine plus referenda in Alberta, and which federal agencies are actively engaged or expected to be engaged in that work?

Hon. Gary Anandasangaree, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety: Thank you, senator, for that very important and timely question.

As this is a matter that is, again, part of provincial lawmaking abilities — and their process is undertaken by Elections Alberta — this is not an area where Elections Canada can be involved. The Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner, Mr. Anton Boegman, as well as the office that is being set up, may be best positioned to identify any potential foreign interference in that regard. However, outside of that, Elections Canada will not have the mandate or the purview to do that work.

Senator Fridhandler: Thank you for that, Mr. Minister. I believe that foreign interference is actually outside the scope of the provincial legislation and falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. Under the CSIS Act, you may authorize CSIS to enter into arrangements and cooperate with provinces to conduct threat assessments. Under the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act, covert or deceptive efforts to influence a political process constitute a serious criminal offence.

Can you tell this chamber what powers you are currently exercising with respect to the nine-plus Alberta referendums? As well, when will the Transparency Commissioner’s registry be operational — though bad actors don’t usually register for illegal compliance?

Mr. Anandasangaree: Do you want me to answer that question, senator? I’ve said what I can on this issue. Canadian laws — and Canadian security laws — are important, and our law enforcement agencies will do their jobs when and if required.