Canada to brief foreign missions on ‘acceptable activity’ [Video]

OTTAWA –

Heads of missions from around the world will be briefed on Canada’s expectations of “acceptable diplomatic activity” during the next general election, the deputy minister of foreign affairs told a federal inquiry Friday.

David Morrison said a meeting with foreign diplomats will be convened next month at Global Affairs Canada headquarters to go over “exactly where the lines are” between legitimate foreign influence and unwelcome meddling. 

Canada will be “crystal clear” with foreign missions in Ottawa and their consulates throughout the country about what it considers appropriate diplomatic activity, he said. 

Morrison said more could also be done to sensitize MPs about what it’s like to interact with foreign diplomats.

“On the social scene, most MPs aren’t from the National Capital Region, and most MPs that get elected have probably never been invited to a dinner at a diplomat’s house,” he said.

As a result, steps could be taken to …