The director of Canada’s intelligence agency has expressed concerns about potential foreign interference in Alberta’s secession vote, citing the risk of disinformation from countries like Russia. In an interview with CBC’s show, “The House,” the head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), Dan Rogers, emphasized the agency’s role in understanding and investigating foreign interference.
Rogers highlighted the susceptibility of a referendum like the one in Alberta to divisive manipulation and disinformation campaigns, as demonstrated by previous actions from players such as Russia. These comments follow a recent report from a team of researchers warning about Russian and pro-Trump U.S. actors spreading misinformation to undermine unity and trust in key institutions regarding Alberta separatism.
While Rogers did not disclose ongoing investigations, he acknowledged the existing Russian disinformation ecosystem and reports from academic institutions highlighting foreign interference patterns. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated that the RCMP has not found credible evidence of state actors meddling in Alberta’s politics and mentioned seeking top-secret security clearance to ensure the integrity of the process.
The academic report also noted that statements from U.S. President Donald Trump have bolstered the separatist movement. Rogers clarified CSIS’s definition of foreign interference as covert actions that pose a threat, distinguishing it from overt commentary. The civil society report anticipates an increase in disinformation campaigns if the independence referendum proceeds on the scheduled date of October 19.
CSIS’s annual report revealed the agency’s use of threat reduction powers to counter security threats, with a particular focus on Russia’s disinformation tactics. Rogers emphasized the need for vigilance against external interference in democratic processes, especially amid the upcoming referendum. The agency has been collaborating with the Major Projects Office to assess potential risks associated with national projects, particularly in critical infrastructure development.
As the government accelerates projects of national importance, CSIS has been providing intelligence support to safeguard against threats that may target public and private sectors involved in these initiatives. The agency’s role includes assessing control over critical infrastructure, potential espionage risks, and ensuring national security reviews for foreign investments in key projects.