Canada condemns alleged Russian interference in 2024 U.S. election

Canada has condemned Russia’s alleged attempts to interfere in the U.S. presidential election through disinformation campaigns, following a series of actions taken by the Biden administration against the Kremlin.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice announced several measures to address Russian interference in the upcoming November election. These actions included unsealing criminal charges against two employees of RT, a state-run Russian media company, and seizing internet domains believed to be used by the Kremlin for spreading disinformation.

Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc issued a statement on Thursday, noting that Canada had been collaborating with the U.S. and other allies on the matter. He did not comment on the ongoing investigation but made it clear that Canada strongly condemns Russian efforts to undermine democracy.

"I also condemn in the strongest terms the attempts by Russian state-owned media entity RT to spread disinformation, influence election outcomes, undermine democracy and rules-based international order, and engage in information operations and cyber incidents against Western targets," LeBlanc said.

The U.S. measures, which include sanctions and visa restrictions, aim to disrupt Russia's ongoing disinformation efforts, which have been seen as a persistent threat to election security. U.S. officials continue to identify Moscow as the primary threat to election integrity.

One criminal case accuses two RT employees of secretly funding a Tennessee-based company with nearly $10 million to produce English-language videos that promote pro-Russian messages on platforms like TikTok and YouTube. The company, which remains unnamed, failed to disclose that it was allegedly financed by RT and did not register as an agent of a foreign entity, as required by law.

Additionally, the U.S. seized 32 internet domains said to be used by the Kremlin for propaganda and to weaken international support for Ukraine.

LeBlanc emphasized that Canada, along with its allies, stands united in addressing Russian aggression and efforts to subvert democratic societies. He warned that any Canadians involved in illegal activities to assist Russia in its disinformation campaigns would face severe legal consequences.

LeBlanc also referenced actions taken by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) in 2022, which removed RT and RT France from the list of non-Canadian channels that can be broadcast in Canada.