Hello, and welcome back.
Over the past few episodes, we’ve explored foreign interference, democratic resilience, and the importance of evidence.
Today, we’ll examine another issue that has received growing attention in Canada and other democratic countries.
What is transnational repression?
Simply put, transnational repression occurs when a foreign government attempts to intimidate, pressure, monitor, or silence people beyond its own borders.
Unlike traditional foreign interference, which often seeks to influence public institutions or government decision-making, transnational repression focuses on individuals.
Its purpose is to discourage people from exercising the rights and freedoms they enjoy in Canada.
Those targeted may include journalists, academics, community leaders, human rights advocates, political activists, or members of diaspora communities.
Sometimes the pressure is directed at the individual.
In other cases, it extends to family members or relatives living overseas.
Not every case looks the same.
Transnational repression can take many forms.
It may involve online harassment.
Repeated intimidation.
Coordinated smear campaigns.
Threats.
Persistent surveillance.
Or attempts to pressure someone into remaining silent or changing their behaviour.
Many of these actions occur quietly.
Some are difficult to detect.
Others may appear insignificant when viewed individually but become more serious when considered as part of a broader pattern.
That is why governments around the world—including Canada—have placed increasing emphasis on identifying and responding to transnational repression.
It is equally important to understand what transnational repression is not.
Maintaining contact with family abroad is entirely normal.
Participating in cultural organizations is normal.
Working with international partners is normal.
Engaging in diplomatic, academic, business, or cultural exchanges is also a valued part of Canadian society.
These activities do not constitute transnational repression.
The concern arises only when threats, intimidation, coercion, or harassment are used to interfere with a person’s lawful rights and freedoms in Canada.
Canada is built on a simple but powerful principle.
Everyone should be able to express their views, participate in public life, and engage with their communities without fear of intimidation or coercion.
That principle applies equally to every person, regardless of their background, nationality, or political views.
Protecting national security also means protecting individual rights.
The two are not in conflict.
In fact, they reinforce one another.
A democratic society is strongest when people can exercise their freedoms safely, confidently, and without fear.
So remember:
Every person in Canada has the right to speak, participate, and live free from intimidation.
Protecting those freedoms is an essential part of protecting Canada’s democracy.
In our next episode, we’ll explore another important question.
Why is economic security also national security?
Thank you for watching.
Together, let’s safeguard Canada.
This series is intended for public education. It draws upon publicly available information from Canadian legislation, government publications, public inquiries, and other open sources. It does not represent the views of any government institution.