Will interference bill make a difference?

Canada’s intelligence system needs an overhaul to combat foreign meddling in elections, critics say

- ALEX BALLINGALL AND TONDA MACCHARLES

OTTAWA Foreign interference in Canadian democracy is a problem that roared to a higher political pitch this week with the damning revelation that unnamed parliamentarians are allegedly and knowingly working to advance the interests of other governments The Liberal government's response has been muted, warning about critical missing context in the report, and deferring to the RCMP to investigate any actual wrongdoing, Nobody is naming names.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's administration is also brandishing what it claims is a robust response to foreign interference: a proposed law that would be Canada's shield against malevolent actors.

The problem? National security experts say it falls short of what's needed and doesn't address the stunning prospect of elected Canadians collaborating with foreign powers.

David McGuinty, the Liberal chair of the parliamentary committee that had access to secret intelligence about MPs allegedly working on behalf of foreign states, suggested Wednesday the new law is not enough-although he called it an "encouraging start." "We're catching up with the Australians, the Americans and the Brits," McGuinty said, underscoring the committee's recommendation that there's more the government can do, like enacting strict laws to expressly prohibit foreign interference in Canadian political nomination or leadership races.

"There are many very positive things that can happen quickly." Outside observers have blunter assessments.