Yes, Beijing has been doing that all over the world, and Canada is no exception.
I point to Australia, our cousin, a country of basically very similar size, population and demographics. China has been working on Australia for many years. Australia stood up, first by having very strong rules about engagement with China's CCP by its elected officials, as well as by enforcing and establishing the foreign agent registry.
Of course, Australia suffered. They had trade sanctions. They have been harassed by China, but I admire their courage in standing up to China.