The Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act1 and accompanying Regulations2 will come into force on August 4, 2026, establishing Canada’s long awaited foreign agent registry.
The regime requires registration on a publicly searchable registry of businesses, organizations and individuals who enter arrangements with foreign principals to communicate with public office holders, to disseminate information by any means in Canada (including through social media), or who distribute money, items or services, in relation to Canadian political or governmental processes.
While the registry is aimed at combatting foreign influence in Canadian politics and government, its compliance net is much wider.3 The registration requirements are likely to capture ordinary commercial dealings well beyond explicit work for other countries.
