CSIS warns Alberta referendum could face foreign interference

Canada’s spy agency says Alberta’s upcoming fall referendum could be vulnerable to foreign interference and is monitoring the risks, according to a letter sent to Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi. Nenshi said he requested updates from CSIS after public comments by U.S. officials about Alberta separatism and a privacy breach involving voter information raised concerns about outside influence. CSIS said it will investigate threats to Canadian democratic processes, including the Oct. 19 referendum, and warned that foreign actors can use misinformation and disinformation to shape debate. The article also notes that Alberta officials and federal agencies are already tracking possible interference and related investigations.