Oil and natural gas industry supports investigating foreign interference in Canada’s elections

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) is encouraged by the creation of a federal task force aimed at combatting foreign interference in Canadian elections.

In a letter submitted to the Government of Canada, CAPP formally extends its support to the creation of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections Task Force (Task Force), whose mandate it is to investigate foreign funded activists’ influence on Canada’s electoral processes. The Task Force will address threats to our democratic process and research misleading campaigns that could put Canadians’ futures at risk.

Several foreign-funded anti-industry groups have claimed to influence Canadian elections, both federally and provincially. In an article, The Canadian Press alleges United States-based organizations such as the Tides Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to affect the outcome of the 2015 election. (Other media reports allege donations have been in the millions). As well, other activist groups have taken credit for influencing the 2017 British Columbia provincial election.

CAPP commends the Government of Canada for standing up to foreign-funded activists on behalf of Canadians to put a stop to interference in our political processes. The objective of foreign interference from nations like Russia or activist groups is the same: To put Canada’s political, social, and economic future at risk, along with the livelihoods of everyday Canadians.

Canadians have the right to choose their own destiny without foreign influence. Every dollar groups like Tides Foundation funnels through Canadian activist groups, is a dollar aimed at diminishing Canada’s reputation as a global leader and an attempt to manipulate Canadian voters.

Foreign interference in our electoral process affects all Canadians and should be top of mind when heading into the next federal election.

More information on the Task Force can be found here.

https://www.canada.ca/en/democratic-institutions/services/protecting-democracy/security-task-force.html

Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers quotes: Tim McMillan, president and CEO

“Canada’s oil and natural gas sector applauds the federal government’s actions to investigate foreign influence on our elections and political processes. CAPP supports the Task Force’s mandate to put a stop to foreign meddling in our economic future.”

“The Government of Canada’s Task Force is standing up for the rights of every Canadian – the right to choose their own destiny, and political and economic futures.”

“All Canadians should be aware and alarmed by the actions of activists’ groups to step on our constitutional rights and wrench away control of our collective future as Canadians.”