Raza Rumi discusses a story reported by CBC, focusing on foreign interference in Canadian elections by Pakistan and India. According to documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), both countries targeted the 2019 and 2021 elections. In 2019, Pakistani officials in Canada attempted to influence Canadian politics, while in 2021, the Indian government allegedly conducted interference activities in specific electoral districts. These allegations include providing illegal financing support to pro-Indian candidates.
The reports caution that the information may be uncorroborated or incomplete, and further investigation is required. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the issue, stating that Canada has taken significant measures to counter foreign interference.
While Pakistan's interference aims to promote its interests and counter India's influence, India's alleged actions targeted writings with Indo-Canadian voters sympathetic to the Khalistani movement. The Khalistan movement advocates for an independent Sikh nation in Punjab, India, and is viewed differently by India and Pakistan.
CSIS suggests that India used a network of contacts, including politicians and media personalities, to monitor individuals of interest in Canada. Despite concerns raised by CSIS, none of the activities met the threshold for criminal investigations.