CSIS warns Alberta referendum could become target for foreign meddling

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service sent a letter to Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi, stating that the province's upcoming referendum on separating from Canada could be vulnerable to foreign interference. Director Dan Rogers highlighted the risk of disinformation campaigns and other tactics that external actors might use to sway the vote. Nenshi had requested the briefing after remarks from former U.S. officials and a reported privacy breach involving a voter list that a separatist group allegedly obtained.

Investigations by Elections Alberta, the provincial privacy commissioner and the RCMP are ongoing. The provincial security office is working with CSIS, Global Affairs Canada and other agencies to monitor and report any influence operations. Premier Danielle Smith’s press secretary dismissed the NDP’s concerns as fear-mongering, while the government emphasized its commitment to protect Albertans from external meddling.