The Commission has received information from hundreds of members of the public on their ideas, observations and experiences on the matter of foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions.
A presentation outlining the elements of the public consultation process and themes from the information provided by members of the Canadian public is available here.
Information and resources provided by the Commission to assist those who engaged with the process are set out below.
Questionnaire – Now closed
The Foreign Interference Commission invited all members of the public to complete the questionnaire and share their experiences and ideas regarding foreign interference in Canada’s federal elections and democratic processes. The questionnaire was launched on September 17, 2024 and remained open until October 16, 2024. The Commission received 624 responses to this questionnaire.
By filling out the questionnaire, individuals contributed to the public inquiry process, and helped the Commission to fulfill its mandate and understand how foreign interference may be impacting people and communities throughout Canada.
The questionnaire took approximately 5-10 minutes to complete, depending on the answers provided. All responses were completely voluntary, confidential, and anonymous and were considered by the Commission as it completed its work.
The Commission extends its thanks to all those who filled out the questionnaire.
Submissions to the Commission - Now closed
Through the call for submissions, launched on May 22, 2024, the Commission invited submissions from individuals and groups, organizations and associations, noting that all submissions made by July 31, 2024, would be read and considered by the Commission. This deadline was later extended to August 12, 2024.
The Commission appreciates having received more than 200 submissions and thanks all who took the time to contribute to the public inquiry in this way.
The Commission invited all members of the public and organizations, groups and associations to make a written submission on their experiences, observations, and ideas on the matter of foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions. Submission guidelines are set out below.
An important part of the Commission’s mandate is to examine and report on the experiences of members of ethnic and cultural communities who may be especially vulnerable to foreign interference. Members of diaspora communities were encouraged to engage with the Commission by providing written submissions.
Our process of collecting written observations, experiences, and ideas on foreign interference in Canada’s federal electoral processes and democratic institutions is now closed. All submissions received were read and considered by the Commission.
Guidelines for preparing your submission to the Commission
Note: these Guidelines are available in 17 languages in addition to English and French, to access these, please click on the link to one of the 17 languages to the right of this text.
Note: these guidelines are historical and are reproduced here as they existed when the Commission’s call for submissions was open.
You are encouraged to make your submission as early as possible. More information on when to make your submission is set out under the heading “Important Dates” below.
All submissions received by August 12, 2024, will be read and considered by the Commission. Your submission may be referred to or quoted by the Commission, either in a written report or during the Commission’s public hearings. Unless you give us your written permission, the Commission will not release any identifying information about you, such as your name or email address. If you do not want your submission to be referred to or quoted, clearly mark your submission as “confidential.”
When preparing your submission, you are encouraged to consider the following:
- Be specific and, where appropriate, be specific about the facts related to your experiences;
- Focus on the most important things you want the Commission to know; and
- Make your submission concise and focused.
You can make your submission in the language of your choice. If you make a submission in a language other than French or English, please identify the language used at the beginning of the submission.
The following questions may be helpful in preparing your submission:
- Who are you? Useful information includes your age, occupation (if applicable), and any connection or involvement you may have with diaspora communities.
- How have you been involved with Canadian federal elections or democratic processes? Useful information includes any political memberships or affiliations you have, and any involvement you may have had with internal party processes such as candidate nominations, with the federal election process, or with federal democratic processes in general (for example, volunteering for a candidate, participating in a campaign, lobbying, donating, or voting).
- What do you know about foreign interference in federal elections or democratic processes? Useful information includes what foreign interference you are aware of, how you became aware of foreign interference, and whether you have personally been the target of a foreign actor’s attempts to interfere with Canada’s federal elections or democratic processes.
- How have you been affected by foreign interference in Canadian federal elections or democratic processes? Useful information includes any impact on your health, relationships, work life, or other impacts you experienced, along with information about any interactions you had with authorities and resources such as law enforcement or government departments, services, or agencies related to foreign interference.
- How have you responded or reacted to foreign interference? Useful information includes any dealings you had with law enforcement or government departments, services, agencies, or independent federal organizations related to foreign interference. If you sought or received assistance from law enforcement, government departments, services, agencies or independent federal organizations in responding to foreign interference, the Commission is interested in learning how effective that assistance was, and hearing about what else would have helped you.
- What else would you like the Commission to know or consider? Useful information includes any suggestions or recommendations relating to detecting, deterring or combatting foreign interference and for protecting or supporting people who may be vulnerable to foreign interference.
Sending your submissions to the Commission
The Commission accepted written submissions through email, mail, or the Signal encrypted messaging app. Where a member of the public had questions about making a submission, or was unable to make a submission in writing without accommodation, they were invited to email the Commission and provide a telephone number the Commission team could use to contact them to discuss.