The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has issued a warning about possible foreign interference in Canada’s upcoming general election on April 28, identifying China and India as likely state actors. CSIS Deputy Director Vanessa Lloyd stated that China is highly likely to use AI-driven tools to meddle in the democratic process, while India possesses both the intent and capability to interfere.
“The PRC (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,” Lloyd said during a press conference. She further noted, “We have also seen that the government of India has the intent and capability to interfere in Canadian communities and democratic processes.”
This warning comes amid strained diplomatic ties between Canada, China, and India. Lloyd also mentioned that Russia and Pakistan have the potential to influence Canada’s electoral system. The announcement follows criticism of Canada’s delayed response to foreign interference attempts in the 2019 and 2021 elections, although these incidents reportedly did not affect the final outcomes.
Relations between Canada and India have been particularly tense, leading to diplomatic expulsions after allegations that India was involved in a plot against Sikh separatists in Canada. Simultaneously, Canada’s relationship with China has worsened due to Beijing imposing tariffs on over $2.6 billion worth of Canadian goods in retaliation for Canadian levies on Chinese imports. Additionally, the execution of four Canadian citizens in China on drug charges has further strained ties.
Vanessa Lloyd emphasized the challenges of directly linking foreign interference to election results but warned that such activities could undermine public confidence in Canada’s democratic institutions.
The CSIS alert follows the decision by newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney to call for snap elections on April 28, significantly earlier than the originally scheduled date in October. Carney justified the move by citing the “most significant crisis of our lifetimes” caused by U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies and threats to Canadian sovereignty. “We need a strong mandate to counter these threats,” Carney stated, accusing Trump of wanting to weaken Canada for U.S. dominance.
