State actors could use blackmail, threats to influence voters, politicians in the next election, CSIS warns

Canada's spy agency says state actors may attempt to blackmail voters and pressure politicians in order to influence the outcome of the next election.

The warning iscontained in a special report on foreign interferencethreats, which charts some of the tactics the CanadianSecurity Intelligence Service has observed over the years.

Its publication comes asOttawa prepares for an election call widely expectedin the next fewweeks. That election, when it comes,is likely to see attempts atforeign interferenceonline, the Communications Security Establishment has previouslywarned.

"CSIS has observed persistent and sophisticated state-sponsored threat activity targeting elections for many years now and continues to see a rise in its frequency and sophistication," notesthe report.

The intelligence agency says state actors see votersas vulnerabletargets.

"State actors may use threats, bribery or blackmail to affect the voting behaviour of individuals inside or outside of communities," says the report.

"Individuals may be threatened or fear reprisal for themselves or their loved ones in Canada or abroad if they fail to comply with publicly supporting a particular candidate or contributing funds to the foreign state's preferred party.

"While state actors may use coercive techniques to achieve their objectives, they may also use flattery, promise compensation, or appeal to an individual's sense of pride towards another country to elicit the desired behaviour."

CSIS saidstate actors might also attempt toget leverage onMPs and their staff through threats ormore subtle tactics such as romantic entanglements.

"These relationships enable the manipulation of targets when required, for example, through requests for inappropriate and special 'favours,'" warns CSIS.

"The individual may also be able to hinder or delay initiatives that are contrary to the foreign state's interest."

Donations with 'strings attached'

A state actor might also attempt to put an MP, candidate or political staffer into acompromising situation forblackmail purposes, says the report.

The agency is advising potential targets to beon the alert forunnatural social interactions, frequent requests to meet privately, out-of-place introductions or engagements, gifts or offers of all-expenses-paid travel.

The reportsays politicaldonors, lobby groups, community organizationsand the media could also betargets.

"For the candidate receiving the donations, there may be 'strings attached' and an expectation that the candidate will act in the state's best interests," saysthe report.

The report does not citehostile state actorsby name. CSIS director David Vigneaulthas gone on the record in the past naming China and Russia as the two main countries of concern when it comes to foreign interference.

The agency saidit wanted to publish Thursday's report to alert Canadians tothe threat.

"Although Canada's electoral system is strong, foreign interference is a significant threat to the integrity of our democratic institutions, political system, and fundamental rights and freedoms," it said.

The report comes aftera busyyear forCSIS. The agencysaid that2020 saw the highest level of foreign espionage and foreign interference directed at Canadian targetssincethe end of theCold War.