The head of Canada’s diplomatic service briefed international envoys on foreign interference last month as the intense focus on the issue across the country created confusion among some diplomats about where their work might cross the line from influence into meddling.
David Morrison, the deputy minister of Global Affairs Canada, told The Canadian Press in an interview that there is a difference between interference and influence — the latter being the job of a diplomat.
“The public inquiry and the coverage of it may have created some uncertainty,” he said. “Diplomats had legitimate questions as to where we draw the line in Canada, and we tried to be very clear on that.”
The Liberals called a commission of inquiry into foreign interference last year following media reports and pressure from opposition parties. A final report is due by the end of January.
An interim report released in May said foreign …