Trudeau urges caution to ensure foreign influence registry doesn't target diasporas

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging caution in the face of growing calls for Canada to adopt a registry to track foreign influence efforts.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is urging caution in the face of growing calls for Canada to adopt a registry to track foreign influence efforts.

The prime minister says the government needs to find better ways to protect Canadians from foreign interference.

But he says a balance must be struck to ensure any new measures are not too broad and do not target certain diaspora groups such as Chinese- or Iranian-Canadians.

The Liberal government is facing calls to establish a foreign influence registry in response to reports of alleged interference by the Chinese government in recent Canadian elections.

Trudeau cited the internment of thousands of Japanese- and Italian-Canadians during the Second World War as an example of why the government is taking its time.

He says Ottawa is consulting with experts and Canadians to ensure whatever approach it takes is appropriate.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 17, 2023.