Procedure and House Affairs

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss how to make sure Canada's democracy stays strong. The committee looked at things that could weaken our democracy, like online harassment and fake information spread through the internet. They wanted to figure out how to keep Canadians trusting in their government and involved in making decisions. Heidi Tworek, from the University of British Columbia, talked about how online harassment is getting worse and pushing people out of politics. She also mentioned that fake information made by computers, called generative AI, can make these problems even bigger. Taylor Owen, from McGill University, explained that Canadians are getting their news from different places now, like social media influencers, instead of traditional news sources. He also said that fake information is being spread online to divide Canadians. Lindsay Brumwell, from Equal Voice, spoke about how important it is for women to be involved in politics. She said that many women don't get involved because they think politics is difficult, unfriendly, and doesn't fit with their family responsibilities. The speakers suggested that the government should create rules for online platforms and AI companies to share information with researchers. They also said that Canada needs a group that can study these issues and give advice on how to protect our democracy. The committee members discussed the reasons for a decline in women's participation in politics, the impact of online harassment on elected officials, and the role of foreign interference in spreading misinformation. They also explored potential solutions, such as supporting leadership development programs, addressing online harassment, and improving research on representation and participation trends.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss civic resilience in Canada. Witnesses shared their expertise on topics ranging from freedom of expression to foreign interference and the role of digital spaces. The committee heard from representatives from organizations like the Canadian Constitution Foundation, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, and Digital Public Square, as well as independent researchers and youth advocates. Committee members explored potential solutions for strengthening civic engagement and addressing polarization. Josh Dehaas from the Canadian Constitution Foundation argued that the erosion of freedom of expression harms civic resilience. He suggested repealing laws like the Online News Act and amending others to protect free speech. David Salvo from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue highlighted the increasing complexity of threats to democracy, including foreign interference and domestic extremism. He advocated for a non-partisan Canadian democracy fund to support civic resilience work at the local level. Ai-Men Lau, an independent research assistant, shared insights from Taiwan's experience in countering foreign information manipulation, emphasizing the importance of decentralized action and sustainable funding for civil society. Shlomit Broder, CEO of Digital Public Square, discussed the state of polarization in Canada and how digital spaces can play a role in strengthening civic resilience. She proposed making civic resilience a national priority and fostering greater social cohesion. Shelly Ghai Bajaj, a professor at the Canadian Forces College, focused on threats in the digital information environment and their impact on ethnocultural diaspora communities. She emphasized the need to resource civil society organizations as trusted intermediaries. Sasha Banka, a volunteer with Vote16 Canada, advocated for lowering the voting age to 16, arguing that it would increase youth engagement and build a lifelong habit of participation. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of civic resilience, including the role of government regulation, the impact of social media, and the importance of international cooperation. Discussions also touched on the challenges of combating disinformation and the need to balance freedom of expression with the protection of vulnerable communities. The committee did not make any decisions during the meeting, but the information shared will likely inform future recommendations and actions related to strengthening civic resilience in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss civic resilience in Canada. The first panel of witnesses discussed ways to build civic engagement and trust in institutions. Taylor Gunn suggested focusing on attachment to each other and to Canadian values. Aengus Bridgman highlighted the need for regulation of the information environment and investment in civic resilience infrastructure. Chris Blask emphasized that civic resilience is an infrastructure problem, not just a messaging problem, and suggested focusing on local communities and trusted individuals. The second panel focused on different aspects of civic resilience. Sylvain Charlebois discussed the importance of transparency, accountability, and engagement in maintaining public confidence in institutions, particularly in the context of food systems and economic pressures. Niamh Leonard proposed the creation of a Canadian democracy fund to support organizations working to strengthen democratic participation. John Carpay argued that equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives can undermine social trust and advocated for equal rights and the abolition of race-based laws and policies. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various topics, including voter turnout, regulation of social media platforms, the role of government funding, and the impact of equity, diversity, and inclusion policies. The committee explored different approaches to strengthening civic resilience, ranging from grassroots community initiatives to national-level policies and funding mechanisms. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the discussion provided valuable insights for the committee's ongoing study on the current state of civic resilience in Canada.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the main estimates for the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer in 2026-27 and the current state of civic resilience in Canada. Stéphane Perrault, the Chief Electoral Officer, explained the office's budget and priorities, including preparing for potential elections, improving special ballot procedures, and working with Indigenous communities to improve voting access. He also discussed modernizing Elections Canada's technology. Committee members questioned Perrault about a complaint process and the "longest ballot committee." Michael Cooper, a committee member, raised concerns about the "longest ballot committee" and its impact on elections, particularly in the Terrebonne by-election. Perrault explained the measures being taken to mitigate the committee's disruptive effects, such as using a write-in ballot. Cooper also questioned Perrault about complaints that were not properly forwarded to the Commissioner of Canada Elections due to a security filter. Arielle Kayabaga asked about balancing election readiness with responsible spending, while Christine Normandin inquired about recommendations for counting special ballots and improving staff training. Tim Louis focused on modernization efforts, particularly the social media monitoring unit. The committee also heard from witnesses on civic resilience, including Odette McCarthy from Equitas, Amanda Munday from New Majority, and Sabreena Delhon from the Samara Centre for Democracy, who discussed ways to strengthen democracy and civic engagement in Canada. Witnesses from civic organizations emphasized the importance of civic education, reducing barriers to participation, and investing in civil society organizations. They proposed establishing a non-partisan Canadian democracy fund to support civic engagement year-round. They also discussed the impact of disinformation and the need for digital literacy among Canadians. The committee agreed to adopt the budget for the study on the current state of civic resilience in Canada. Perrault undertook to look into the complaints caught by the security filter and provide additional information to the committee.

The Procedure and House Affairs Committee met to discuss the budget for the Leaders' Debates Commission and the state of civic resilience in Canada. Michel Cormier, Executive Director of the Leaders' Debates Commission, explained the commission's $3 million budget request for 2026-27, noting that most of the money is only needed if there is an election. He also discussed cost-saving measures the commission has taken, such as holding debates in existing production facilities and using remote interpreters. Committee members questioned Cormier about the commission's spending, staffing levels, and the decision to no longer organize post-debate media scrums. Some members expressed concern that cancelling the scrums would limit media access to leaders. Cormier explained that the commission wants to focus on the debates themselves and that political parties can organize their own scrums if they choose. He also noted challenges in accrediting journalists due to the changing media landscape. The committee also heard from Samantha Reusch of Apathy is Boring, Michael Geist of the University of Ottawa, and Philippe Marcoux of the Quebec Press Council about civic resilience. Reusch proposed a Canadian democracy fund to support civil society organizations that engage Canadians in democracy. Geist discussed the risks faced by those who speak out in the public square, the underfunding of civil society, and the importance of public engagement in policy-making. Marcoux highlighted the dangers of disinformation and the need for quality journalism and public awareness.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss how to improve civic engagement and resilience in Canada. The committee heard from John Beebe from the Democratic Engagement Exchange, Maiwand Rahyab from Resilient Societies, and Peter MacLeod from MASS LBP. They talked about the importance of building trust in communities, especially among young people, and making sure people feel like their voices matter. They also discussed how to combat misinformation and foreign interference, which can weaken democracy. John Beebe suggested creating a "public health system" for democracy by investing in community organizations that can help people connect and participate. He also highlighted the need to create safe spaces for people to talk about important issues. Maiwand Rahyab recommended developing a national strategy to strengthen civic participation and celebrating civic engagement through events like a Canada civic action week. He also emphasized Canada's role as a safe place for activists and journalists who have been forced to leave their home countries. Peter MacLeod argued that democracy needs to evolve to include the public more actively. He suggested that governments should trust people more and give them more opportunities to participate in decision-making. He also pointed to examples from other countries, like Norway's media trusts and Ireland's citizens' assemblies, as ways to build civic resilience. Committee members asked questions about declining voter turnout, the role of social media, and how to engage young people. The witnesses offered concrete suggestions for the government, such as investing in community organizations, supporting local journalism, and creating programs that allow young people to connect with different parts of the country. They also emphasized the importance of media literacy and regulating social media platforms to combat misinformation. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee will continue its study of civic resilience.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the nomination of Anton Boegman for the position of Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner. Boegman spoke about the importance of transparency in countering foreign interference in Canada's democratic processes. He highlighted his experience as the Chief Electoral Officer of British Columbia, where he worked on combating misinformation and building partnerships between different agencies to protect democracy. Boegman emphasized that if appointed, his priorities would be to launch the office, create clear rules, engage with targeted communities, and build public awareness. Committee members questioned Boegman on various aspects of the proposed law and his readiness for the role. Michael Cooper raised concerns about delays in setting up the registry and the lack of Boegman's involvement in drafting regulations. Arielle Kayabaga focused on how the registry would contribute to fighting foreign interference and building community trust. Christine Normandin questioned how Boegman would handle conflicting information from different sources and ensure the registry's effectiveness. Tako Van Popta questioned Boegman about a close election in British Columbia and whether irregularities may have influenced the outcome. Tim Louis inquired about lessons learned from Boegman's work in British Columbia and how he would work with international partners. Grant Jackson raised concerns about engaging with Canadian citizens abroad and detecting financial interactions related to foreign interference. Will Greaves discussed addressing online disinformation and misinformation. Overall, committee members explored Boegman's qualifications, his plans for the office, and the challenges he might face in ensuring the registry's effectiveness and independence. The committee then moved to a private session to further discuss the nomination.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference during the 45th general election. Witnesses from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) shared their experiences and answered questions from committee members. The discussion focused on the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force's role in monitoring and countering foreign interference, as well as the communication of potential threats to political parties and the public. Vanessa Lloyd from CSIS, speaking on behalf of the SITE task force, highlighted the task force's efforts to provide briefings to political parties and the public, as well as to share information on tactics used by threat actors. She emphasized that while the SITE task force observed instances of foreign interference, none were determined to have impacted Canada's ability to have a free and fair election. Committee members questioned the witnesses about specific instances of foreign interference, including the targeting of a Conservative candidate in Don Valley North, and the number of ridings affected. However, witnesses were hesitant to provide specific numbers or details, citing privacy and national security concerns. Bridget Walshe from CSE discussed the importance of cybersecurity and the measures in place to protect against cyber-threats to democratic processes. Saliou Babou from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development spoke about the relationship with social media platforms and the challenges of countering disinformation. Greg O'Hayon from the RCMP discussed the RCMP's role in investigating foreign interference activities. Committee members raised concerns about the effectiveness of communication efforts and the need for greater transparency in sharing information with the public. Committee members expressed concerns about foreign interference, particularly from China and Russia, and the potential impact on public confidence in the electoral system. They questioned the witnesses about the measures in place to counter disinformation and protect against cyber-threats. Witnesses emphasized the importance of informing the public and providing tools to help them critically evaluate information. The committee discussed the need for ongoing vigilance and collaboration among government agencies, social media platforms, and civil society to counter foreign interference. No specific decisions were made during the meeting. The committee will continue its study of foreign election interference, and witnesses committed to providing additional information to the committee where possible. The committee also discussed the need for a new national security strategy and the importance of addressing the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and quantum technology.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference. The first panel included the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, along with officials from CSIS, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, and the RCMP. Minister Anandasangaree emphasized the government's commitment to protecting Canadian democracy and ensuring fair elections. He highlighted the importance of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act and the establishment of a foreign influence transparency registry. He said the integrity of the most recent federal election was not compromised by foreign interference. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of foreign interference, including the countries most actively involved and measures to counter cyber threats. Michael Cooper, a Conservative member, pressed the Minister on whether China is a rule-of-law state and raised concerns about cooperation with China on law enforcement matters. Daniel Rogers, director of CSIS, stated that China, Russia, and India are countries of concern. Christine Normandin, a Bloc Québécois member, inquired about data storage and the use of artificial intelligence in detecting foreign interference. The second panel featured the Chief Electoral Officer, Stéphane Perrault, and other officials from Elections Canada. Perrault discussed preparations for the 45th general election, efforts to address inaccurate information, and recommendations to protect elections against foreign interference. He emphasized the importance of combating information manipulation, particularly through social media platforms. He recommended prohibiting false information about the electoral process spread to interfere with voting or undermine trust in elections. He also said that Elections Canada did not experience any breaches to its IT infrastructure or interference with its electoral operations during the election. Committee members questioned the Elections Canada officials on topics such as ensuring public confidence in election security, preventing non-Canadians from getting on the voters list, and addressing vulnerabilities in third-party financing. There was discussion about the use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes in elections. The committee explored ways to improve the integrity of the electoral process and maintain public trust in democratic outcomes. No specific decisions were made, but the committee continues to study the issue of foreign interference and consider potential legislative and policy responses.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference during the 45th general election. Nathalie Drouin, David Morrison, and Tricia Geddes, members of the critical election incident public protocol panel, testified that Canada's elections were secure and that foreign interference did not compromise the election's integrity. They highlighted the implementation of an enhanced protocol, increased transparency through public briefings, and collaboration with security and intelligence agencies to mitigate threats. They also noted that nearly 70% of the recommendations from the public inquiry into foreign interference have been or are being implemented. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of foreign interference, including the role of social media, the threshold for informing the public about threats, and the effectiveness of countermeasures. Michael Cooper raised concerns about a foreign information operation targeting a candidate, while Christine Normandin inquired about the decision-making process for informing the public and political parties about threats. Blaine Calkins questioned the effectiveness of countermeasures beyond communication, and Jonathan Wilkinson explored international best practices for addressing foreign interference. Witnesses clarified that incidents are assessed case-by-case, considering factors like the spread of information on social media and the ability of other entities to address the situation. They emphasized the importance of transparency and public awareness to build resilience against foreign interference. The committee also discussed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and deepfakes, as well as the need for ongoing efforts to protect the electoral process. The committee discussed the importance of maintaining a non-partisan approach to addressing foreign interference to ensure public trust and confidence in democratic institutions. The committee discussed the importance of ongoing efforts to protect the electoral process and maintain public trust in democratic institutions. The committee discussed the need to implement recommendations from the public inquiry, enhance the rapid response mechanism, and engage with Canadians to raise awareness about foreign interference.

The Procedure and House Affairs committee met to discuss the long-term plan for Parliament Hill, focusing on the Centre Block rehabilitation. Tom Kmiec, chair of the working group on the long-term vision and plan, gave an overview of the project's progress. He highlighted decisions made about the building's design, including seating, lobbies, and office spaces, as well as the integration of Indigenous spaces and sustainability measures. Benoit Dicaire, Chief Information Officer, explained how the House of Commons is working to ensure the renovated Centre Block meets modern needs while preserving its historical character. This includes incorporating technology, security, and accessibility features. Jennifer Garrett, from Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), discussed the construction progress and efforts to modernize the parliamentary precinct. She emphasized the project's economic impact, creating jobs and supporting Canadian businesses. Committee members asked questions about the project's timeline, material sourcing, and cost management. They also discussed challenges related to balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality and security. The committee explored ways to ensure the renovated building is accessible and inclusive, including incorporating family-friendly spaces and recognizing Indigenous heritage. The project is scheduled for completion in 2031, with the full opening in 2032.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss the Leaders' Debates Commission's work during the 2025 federal election. Michel Cormier, the executive director and acting commissioner, presented on the commission's mandate and the changes made to the debate format, including using a single moderator and simplifying the set design. He highlighted the high viewership and positive feedback on the new format, as well as efforts to make the debates more accessible through multiple languages and platforms. Cormier also discussed the commission's recommendations for the next election, particularly regarding participation criteria and media accreditation. Committee members questioned Cormier on a range of issues, including the process for appointing a permanent commissioner, the commission's budget and planning for a potential snap election. Members of the committee questioned Cormier about the commission's role and activities between elections. Some members expressed skepticism about the need for a full-time commission, suggesting that private organizations could organize debates more efficiently. Cormier defended the commission's work, emphasizing its role in ensuring stability, accessibility, and wide distribution of the debates, particularly to communities that may not be reached by private media. He also noted the commission's efforts to improve the debate format and address issues such as media accreditation and participation criteria. Several committee members raised concerns about the commission's decision to no longer organize post-debate press conferences, citing concerns about transparency and media access to party leaders. Cormier explained that this decision was made due to the difficulty of guaranteeing a safe and orderly environment for the press conferences, but that journalists would still have access to leaders during the campaign. The committee also discussed the criteria for inviting party leaders to participate in the debates, with some members questioning the commission's past decisions and the need for changes to the criteria. The committee discussed the costs associated with organizing the debates, including interpretation services and production expenses. Cormier noted that the commission had reduced costs in the 2025 election and was exploring ways to further improve cost-effectiveness. He also explained the process for selecting the indigenous languages for interpretation, which involves consulting with indigenous groups and experts. The committee agreed to request a list of the commission's achievements since the last election. The committee did not make any formal decisions during the meeting. The next steps include a visit to Centre Block for committee members and staff. The committee will continue its study of the Leaders' Debates Commission mandate and its experience during the 2025 federal election in future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference and the implementation of the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA), a proposed law to increase transparency around foreign influence. Sébastien Aubertin-Giguère from Public Safety Canada provided an update on the progress of FITAA, noting that the appointment of a commissioner, development of regulations, and creation of a secure IT system are underway. Nicole Giles from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) addressed questions about foreign interference activities, particularly those involving accredited diplomats. The committee also heard from expert witnesses Wesley Wark, Marcus Kolga, and Joe Tay about the effectiveness and implementation of FITAA. Joe Tay shared his personal experiences with foreign election interference during his campaign. During the meeting, committee members questioned the witnesses about the timeline for implementing FITAA, with concerns raised about delays in appointing a commissioner and establishing the registry. There were also questions about the consultation process for selecting a commissioner and whether leaders of recognized parties had been consulted. The discussion covered the role of law enforcement agencies in countering foreign interference and the measures in place to protect diaspora communities from foreign intimidation. Committee members also inquired about the tracking of sensitive information within government departments and the sharing of information with international partners. Witnesses shared their perspectives on the effectiveness of FITAA and the importance of transparency and accountability. Wesley Wark cautioned against overstating the proposed law's impact and suggested that Parliament should scrutinize its effectiveness over the long term. Marcus Kolga emphasized the need for credible deterrence and holding accountable those who carry out foreign interference operations. Joe Tay provided a firsthand account of the challenges he faced during his campaign, including disinformation, harassment, and threats. The committee discussed the role of social media in spreading disinformation and the need for public education to combat foreign interference. Committee members expressed concerns about the impact of foreign interference on individual ridings and the safety of candidates. They also discussed the role of artificial intelligence in amplifying threats and the importance of engaging with social media platforms to address manipulation. The committee explored the need for Canada to work with other countries to counter disinformation and the importance of societal resilience in the face of foreign interference. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but the committee emphasized the importance of implementing FITAA effectively and addressing the ongoing threat of foreign interference. The committee agreed to continue its study on foreign interference and to hear from additional witnesses in future meetings.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss foreign election interference and the implementation of a foreign influence transparency registry. The committee heard from experts on the challenges and threats posed by foreign interference, especially through online platforms and artificial intelligence. Witnesses included Charles Burton, Emerson T. Brooking, Aaron Shull, and Aengus Bridgman. Charles Burton expressed concerns about delays in setting up the foreign influence registry, suggesting the government might be stalling due to worries about exposing influential Canadians with ties to foreign states. Aaron Shull emphasized the need for a broad scope for the registry, an independent commissioner, and strong penalties for non-compliance. He also stressed the importance of clear guidelines and protecting the rights of diaspora communities. Emerson T. Brooking highlighted the use of AI in spreading misinformation during the 2025 election, noting Canada's vulnerability due to its close information environment with the U.S. Aengus Bridgman pointed out that U.S. political content had a significant impact on Canadian political discourse and emphasized the need for greater transparency from online platforms. Committee members questioned the witnesses on various aspects of foreign interference, including the role of social media, the influence of China, and the need for stronger regulations. There was discussion about whether the government was committed to implementing the registry effectively, given the delays and potential pressure from foreign states. The committee also explored potential legislative changes to address the challenges posed by online influencers and the spread of disinformation. No specific decisions were made during the meeting, but committee members expressed a desire to explore options to secure Canadian elections and protect against foreign interference. The committee agreed to move in camera to discuss a draft report.

The House of Commons Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs met to discuss special ballot voting for Canadians, especially those living abroad. The committee wanted to understand how to make voting easier and more accessible for everyone. Stéphane Perrault, the Chief Electoral Officer, explained how special ballots have changed over the years to include more people, like Canadians living abroad and those who are incarcerated. He also talked about the challenges of making sure ballots are sent and received on time, especially from other countries. Committee members asked questions about how Elections Canada verifies the addresses of Canadians living abroad and how they prevent fraud. They also discussed a proposed law that would give more Canadians citizenship and the right to vote, even if they've never lived in Canada. Arielle Kayabaga brought up concerns about Canadians who request ballots but don't return them, and whether it's worth the effort to keep sending them. Christine Normandin asked about the possibility of electronic voting and proxy voting, where someone else votes on your behalf. The committee also heard from representatives from Global Affairs Canada and the Canadian Armed Forces. Kati Csaba from Global Affairs Canada talked about how embassies and consulates help Canadians living abroad with the voting process. Captain James Salt from the Canadian Armed Forces explained how military members can vote, even when they're deployed overseas. The committee discussed ways to improve communication with voters and make sure everyone has a chance to participate in elections, no matter where they live. Overall, the committee is working to find ways to make voting easier and more secure for all Canadians, including those living abroad and members of the military. They are looking at different options, like electronic voting and working more closely with embassies and consulates. The committee plans to continue studying this issue and make recommendations for improvements.