Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project (URAP) Statement on the Adoption of Bill C-70: "An Act Respecting Countering Foreign Interference”

This bill is much needed and long overdue, representing a heartening step in addressing malign foreign interference in Canada. It is especially timely in countering interference by foreign agents in Canada’s upcoming 2025 federal election. The bill will bolster and strengthen the capacities of law enforcement agencies to respond to threats of foreign interference and, crucially, initiate public discourse on the pervasiveness of infiltration by foreign agents in our democracy.

The Uyghur-Canadian diaspora community is likely one of the most affected by the absence of protection laws countering malign state interference. Despite Senator Woo’s attempt to water down the agility of the proposed Bill C-70, our Senate successfully rose to the occasion in defense of Canadian freedoms.

Notably, during yesterday’s Senate hearings, Senator Tony Dean mentioned URAP Executive Director Mehmet Tohti’s commentary on Bill C-70 during his testimonies before the Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security and the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence, and Veterans Affairs.

The adoption of Bill C-70 is a major feat in URAP’s long-standing campaign to counter foreign interference in Canada. URAP extends sincere gratitude to all parliamentarians, senators, media, and the Canadian public for collaborating to pass this important and timely bill.