Foreign Interference Commission releases information on Policy Consultations
August 29, 2024 (Ottawa) – The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions will begin its policy consultations on Monday, October 21, 2024.
The mandate of the Foreign Interference Commission has two aspects: a factual aspect and a policy aspect. The Commission’s factual hearings will conclude on October 16, 2024.
Under the policy aspect, Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue is tasked with recommending any appropriate means for better protecting federal democratic processes from foreign interference, as described in clause (a)(i)(E) of the Commission’s mandate.
The policy phase will include a series of round-table discussions to assist Commissioner Hogue with the development of recommendations related to all aspects of the Commission’s mandate. These policy consultations will include participation by numerous experts in subjects relevant to the Commission's mandate. The format will enable them to discuss various topics of interest to the Commission in the context of its mandate.
“Hearing the perspectives of experts in various fields related to the Commission’s mandate is an important part of our work,” said Commissioner Hogue. “Along with the factual evidence the Commission will hear, the policy contributions from experts will help me shape the recommendations that I will include in my Final Report.”
Commission Participants have been invited to comment on the themes and issues that will be explored in the policy consultations and to make suggestions on panelists for the roundtable discussions.
The Commission’s research team has also issued a preparatory document that identifies thematic areas that may be relevant to the policy aspect of the Commission’s work. The document will be shared with experts in various fields for their comments and suggestions. The preparatory document was drafted by the Commission’s research council and should not be construed or interpreted as the Commission having come to any conclusion regarding any aspect of its work.
The policy phase of the Foreign Interference Commission will be held in the Bambrick Room at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa and will run until October 25, 2024. Discussions are scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. daily. Members of the public are invited to attend in person. A live webcast of the proceedings will be available on the Commission’s website in both official languages. Sign language interpretation (ASL and LSQ) will also be available.
More details on the policy phase of the Commission’s work are available in the Rules of Practice and Procedure for the Policy Phase. A list of experts who will participate in the Commission’s policy consultations will be released in October.
The Government of Canada created the Foreign Interference Commission in September 2023 to respond to concerns about foreign interference in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. The Commission released an Initial Report on May 3, 2024. In the second stage of its work, the Commission will assess the federal government’s capacity to detect, deter, and counter foreign interference. The Commission intends to deliver its final report, which will include findings and recommendations, by December 31, 2024.
Contact:
Michael Tansey
Sr. Communications Advisor
Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions
(343) 630-2154
michael.tansey@pifi-epie.gc.ca
www.ForeignInterferenceCommission.ca
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