Public Safety committee  Actually, this suggestion is based on the Australian model. They set up an independent commission to oversee and monitor the implementation of all the foreign interference-related measures. I think, in Canada, we require such an independent commission to be set up. It should be totally independent of the government so as to maintain that neutrality and fairness in managing all the foreign interference cases.

Public Safety committee  Exactly, yes.

Public Safety committee  In order for the act and regulations to be successfully implemented and achieve their original purpose, it is of utmost importance that they contain a good definition of “foreign interference” in various aspects, so that the general public, as well as the enforcement department, can hold foreign agents accountable based upon this.

Public Safety committee  The reason we would like to advocate for an expansion of the definition is that, based on our observations on the ground, foreign interference occurs at every single level of the decision-making process, whether it's within the party or outside the party. For instance, in terms of political party contests, we have witnessed a lot of interference behind the scenes.

Public Safety committee  I think the present bill is a strong and good bill. However, because of rapidly evolving foreign influence patterns, it is of utmost importance that our government or the future commission conduct periodic reviews of the act and all corresponding regulations on a regular basis.

Public Safety committee  Could you ask the question in English?

Public Safety committee  First of all, I am not a lawyer. However, we have been working with a lot of lawyers with respect to the act. All of our coalition member organizations consider Bill C-70 to be a good and strong bill.

Public Safety committee  I was involved in Hong Kong and then ever since I immigrated to Canada. I have been observing, monitoring and collecting data on foreign interference and transnational repression for the last three decades. I have served different NGOs and coalitions, helping all civil society organizations come to a common understanding about the magnitude and depth of foreign interference, especially transnational repression, which significantly impacts the safety and freedom of expression of Canadians on Canadian soil.

Public Safety committee  Mr. Chair and distinguished members of the committee, I thank you for this opportunity to comment on Bill C-70, the countering foreign interference act. I'm the immediate past-president of Canada-Hong Kong Link and convener of the Canadian coalition for a foreign influence transparency registry.