Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree faced intense scrutiny Thursday as he repeatedly avoided answering direct questions about the delayed appointment of Canada's foreign interference commissioner, a position that was expected to be filled two months ago.
Tense Committee Exchange
The confrontation occurred during what was supposed to be a routine public safety committee meeting discussing cybersecurity legislation. Conservative MP Frank Caputo redirected the conversation to confront Anandasangaree about the overdue appointment mandated under Bill C-70, the foreign interference law passed in June 2024.
"This could not be a more clear question," Caputo stated firmly. "When was the foreign interference commissioner supposed to be appointed?"
Anandasangaree's response offered little clarity, repeating earlier assurances that the appointment would happen "in short order" while the government finalizes candidates. "I wish it was much earlier," the minister conceded, though he provided no specific timeline.
Broken Timelines and Political Tensions
The exchange highlights growing concerns about the government's handling of foreign interference threats. Bill C-70, passed over a year ago in response to alarming revelations about foreign meddling in Canadian affairs, specifically requires the government to appoint a foreign interference transparency commissioner after consulting with recognized opposition parties.
In August, Anandasangaree had indicated the Liberals were screening potential candidates and hoped to present names to the Conservatives and Bloc Québécois before Parliament resumed on September 15. That deadline has now passed without action.
The legislation also establishes a public registry tracking individuals who work as agents for foreign governments within Canada.
Seriousness of Foreign Interference
Caputo emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that a previous report found eleven political candidates and thirteen political staff members were "implicated" in foreign interference activities, with some parliamentarians being "witting or semi-witting participants" in foreign meddling.
"Foreign interference is pretty darn serious," Caputo asserted. "We had 11 parliamentarians who were suspected of interference. Canadians expect seriousness on foreign interference... and for that, you should be reflective on whether or not you're doing your job."
The tense back-and-forth was briefly interrupted by Liberal MP Marianne Dandurand, who argued the committee was "wasting time on things that are off topic" from their scheduled discussion of cybersecurity bills.
The ongoing delay in appointing the commissioner raises questions about the government's commitment to addressing foreign interference despite legislative measures designed to increase transparency and accountability.
