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In a revealing assessment, Canada’s security agency has flagged China and India as leading actors in foreign interference and espionage activities within Canada. The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has identified these nations, alongside Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, as primary sources of threats that undermine Canadian sovereignty and security. This report comes as political dynamics shift and diplomatic relations evolve, particularly in light of recent events that have strained ties with these nations.
Evolving Tactics from Chinese Intelligence
The 2025 annual report by CSIS indicates a notable shift in the operational strategies of Chinese intelligence services, encompassing both civilian and military branches. These entities have begun using deceptive recruitment methods, such as posting bogus job advertisements on popular employment platforms. This tactic allows them to cast a wider net, drawing in unsuspecting Canadians who may possess sensitive information or access to proprietary data.
CSIS, referring to these intelligence services as PRCIS (People’s Republic of China Intelligence Services), suggests that even applicants without direct access to classified information can be valuable. Their personal details and résumés can be leveraged to identify individuals with the requisite clearance. The agency warns that financial pressures and career aspirations often drive individuals to respond to these misleading job offers, making them unwitting contributors to espionage efforts.
Diplomatic Strain and Rising Tensions with India
The report also sheds light on India’s historical engagement in covert operations aimed at influencing Canadian politics and society. According to CSIS, India has established clandestine relationships with various stakeholders, including politicians and members of the Indo-Canadian community, to advance its interests. Such actions have reportedly included surveillance and other forms of intimidation designed to suppress dissent and create a climate of fear.
This scrutiny is particularly pertinent given the recent assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistan separatist, outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. Canadian authorities have accused Indian operatives of involvement in this incident, leading to a diplomatic spat that saw the expulsion of Indian diplomats from Canada. Although India vehemently denies these allegations, the tensions have prompted Canada to reassess its diplomatic stance.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has made strides to mend relations, notably by inviting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a G7 summit and visiting India himself. However, a senior government official’s assertion that India had ceased its foreign interference activities was met with skepticism from national security experts, prompting Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to clarify that no nation is exempt from scrutiny under Canadian law.
Russian Espionage and Disinformation Campaigns
The CSIS report outlines Russia’s multifaceted approach to undermining Canadian interests, which includes espionage, disinformation, and attempts to disrupt support for Ukraine. The agency describes these efforts as part of Russia’s asymmetrical tactics in response to Western involvement in the ongoing conflict. By utilising proxy networks and advanced AI tools, Russian operatives aim to manipulate public sentiment and fracture Canadian unity regarding Ukraine.
CSIS has collaborated with international partners to monitor the export of Canadian technology to Russia. This includes critical components such as microelectronics and satellite communication equipment, which could bolster Russia’s military capabilities. Additionally, the agency has reported on Russian cyber activities aimed at breaching email systems to steal sensitive information.
Iranian Aggression and Transnational Repression
Iran
