As Canadians approach the ballot box in the upcoming election, one issue remains conspicuously absent from the debate: the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in Canadian politics. The question isn’t whether this influence exists—it’s how deep it runs, and why so few are willing to speak openly about it.
Drawing from decades of experience in intelligence and security, as well as the research presented in my book The Mosaic Effect, I’ve seen firsthand the methods Beijing uses to infiltrate and influence democratic systems. These tactics, which fall under the umbrella of hybrid warfare, are non-military, highly sophisticated, and increasingly effective. At the center of this strategy lies the United Front Work Department, a CCP agency designed to co-opt elites, manipulate diaspora communities, and shape foreign policy in target nations.
In Canada, the fingerprints of the United Front are everywhere—from shadowy political donations to proxy voices within local community organizations, and even in the candidate selection processes at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. Yet, political leaders across the spectrum continue to sidestep the issue. Why is this?
The answer is both troubling and telling.
Political parties understand that confronting the China issue—specifically calling out the United Front or its associated actors—could alienate voting blocs within diaspora communities. Many of these individuals are, in fact, victims of CCP coercion themselves. There’s a deeply ingrained fear of being branded racist or xenophobic, a label that Beijing has weaponized through its diplomatic channels and online proxies to silence legitimate criticism. This fear of alienating key voters is a powerful deterrent, but it is not the only reason political leaders are avoiding the subject.
The more troubling possibility is that some elements of Canada’s political class may already be compromised. Through foreign-linked political financing, influence over local nomination races, and the careful grooming of “friendly” candidates, Beijing has the means to shape the very makeup of Canadian politics. And if political parties remain unwilling to address this issue, they risk becoming unwitting facilitators of foreign interference.
Beyond this, avoiding the topic of China serves to prevent inconvenient conversations about foreign policy. To speak out about issues like supply chain dependence on China or the lack of tariffs on Chinese imports is not only politically dangerous but could provoke economic reprisals or disinformation campaigns that would derail entire election campaigns. The risk of alienating voters or losing access to Chinese markets outweighs the political courage required to call out Beijing’s influence.
This self-censorship, whether intentional or not, is exactly what the CCP hopes to achieve. It’s influence without direct confrontation. It’s a form of subversion that avoids the costs and visibility of traditional warfare. It’s about weakening democratic institutions from within, without ever setting foot on the battlefield.
Canada, unfortunately, is uniquely vulnerable to this kind of influence. Our decentralized political system, multicultural ethos, and open economy make us an ideal target. If political leaders continue to shy away from confronting the CCP’s interference, they risk not just the erosion of Canada’s sovereignty, but the erosion of our democracy itself.
It’s time for leaders from all political parties to demonstrate the courage needed to face this challenge head-on. This means naming the threat, exposing the operations of the United Front, and taking steps to safeguard Canada’s democratic integrity—no matter the political cost.
Silence in the face of this threat is not neutral. In fact, it is a form of surrender. If Canada’s democracy is to remain intact, we can no longer afford to look the other way. The time to act is now.
