Ottawa says Beijing-linked disinformation effort tried to sway Chinese-Canadian voters — but hasn’t disrupted democracy
In the age of digital campaigns and global influence, Canada’s 2025 federal election has drawn more than domestic attention. Government officials confirmed this week that a Beijing-backed information operation on the social platform WeChat has attempted to shape perceptions about Liberal Leader Mark Carney, targeting Chinese-speaking communities in Canada.
The effort, officials say, involves one of WeChat’s most influential accounts, raising concerns about foreign interference — even as authorities emphasize that the election remains fair and undisturbed.
Operation Identified: WeChat News Account Linked to CCP
According to the federal Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) task force, the operation was traced to Youli-Youmian, WeChat’s top news account. This account is believed to be affiliated with China’s central political and legal affairs commission, which is under the control of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
“This is a coordinated and inauthentic effort to influence perceptions,” said Laurie-Anne Kempton, assistant secretary to the cabinet for communications, at a Monday press briefing in Ottawa.
The operation included both positive and negative messaging — first presenting Carney as a strong, Trump-aligned figure, then later questioning his credentials and political standing.
Democratic Process Remains Secure, Say Officials
Despite the discovery, SITE officials were clear: Canada’s democratic integrity has not been compromised.
“This activity is not preventing Canadians from making up their own minds,” Kempton stated. “We’re confident this election remains free and fair.”
The SITE panel — composed of senior bureaucrats from national security and intelligence agencies — has not found evidence of a threat serious enough to jeopardize the election’s outcome.
Still, the attempt reflects a troubling pattern: foreign actors leveraging digital platforms to target diaspora communities and sway votes through tailored narratives.
High Reach, Subtle Influence
The campaign on WeChat generated between 85,000 and 130,000 interactions, with some posts estimated to have reached up to three million views. By comparison, typical posts from Chinese state media receive only a fraction of that engagement.
While much of the content painted Carney in a flattering light — even calling him a “tough guy” prime minister aligned with Trump — officials stressed that intent doesn’t neutralize concern.
“Whether promoting or undermining a candidate, foreign governments should not interfere with Canadian democratic processes,” said Vanessa Lloyd, deputy director of operations at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
Warning Signs and Platform Response
Officials say the operation gained momentum shortly after Carney won the Liberal leadership on March 9, with activity peaking on March 10 and again following the election call on March 23. The Liberal campaign was officially notified the following weekend.
Canada’s SITE task force will now raise the matter directly with Tencent, WeChat’s parent company based in Beijing, urging them to address violations of disinformation and influence policy rules on the platform.
Not Their First Target
This isn’t the first time Youli-Youmian has appeared in intelligence briefings. The account has previously been linked to campaigns against:
- Michael Chong, a prominent Conservative and vocal China critic
- Chrystia Freeland, former Liberal finance minister and leadership candidate
The Chinese government, experts say, is often party-agnostic, preferring instead to promote narratives that align with its global interests — regardless of Canadian political affiliations.
“China, Russia, and Iran are increasingly experimenting with AI, deepfakes, and coordinated digital campaigns,” said Bridget Walshe, associate head of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
What It Means for Voters
While the operation is limited to one platform, the broader implications are clear: foreign digital interference is real, evolving, and increasingly sophisticated.
SITE’s weekly briefings now aim to keep the public informed, helping voters distinguish between authentic information and manipulation efforts, especially in multicultural communities where platform-specific influence is most effective.
“It’s vital Canadians stay aware and cautious,” officials warned. “Your vote is your voice — don’t let anyone else speak for you.”
