Intimidation Beyond Borders: Transnational Repression Is Taking Root in Canada

As Canada confronts rising foreign interference, transnational repression has emerged as one of the most urgent and under-addressed threats to its democracy and public safety. The Montreal Institute for Global Security (MIGS) is pleased to announce the release of its new report, “Transnational Repression in Canada: A Threat to Democracy and Public Safety”, which provides one of the most comprehensive assessments to date of how diaspora communities are being targeted on Canadian soil.

Authored by MIGS Fellow Phil Gurski and MIGS Global Affairs Director Marie Lamensch, the report finds that transnational repression constitutes a systemic and growing national security threat affecting thousands of people across the country—particularly politically engaged and vulnerable diaspora communities advocating for democracy and human rights in their countries of origin.

Drawing on open-source reporting, documented case studies, and first-hand testimonies, the study shows how foreign governments extend repression beyond their borders to silence critics, intimidate activists, pressure family members abroad, and undermine the freedom of expression of Canadian citizens on Canadian soil. These practices not only endanger individuals but also erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.

The report calls on Canada to sustain its leadership following its G7 presidency by strengthening protections for targeted communities, increasing law-enforcement and intelligence resources, and deepening cooperation with civil society and diaspora organizations.

MIGS is marking the release with a press conference in Ottawa today, featuring MIGS Executive Director Kyle Matthews, the report’s authors, and Mehmet Tohti, Executive Director of the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project.

Read the report here