To add to that, transnational repression, foreign interference and disinformation are directly impacting civic engagement and the health of Canadian civic space and democratic institutions. Many people who are the direct targets of transnational repression operations are forced to leave their countries because of their civic, human rights and democratic activities.
They are natural activists, civil society leaders and democracy actors. They can contribute significantly when they come here, not only to the countries they came from but to the health of the Canadian ecosystem and Canadian democracy. They can also transfer their experiences here. They are assets and important contributors to our civic ecosystem.
Attacking them, through transnational oppression and disinformation, weakens our civic space ecosystem. It is going to directly discourage participation. It's going to make people more frustrated, isolated and marginalized.
Countering these operations and allowing these people to become more engaged, involved and included in the Canadian civic space not only helps and protects them but also helps to enrich our own civic and democratic systems in Canada.