RESEARCH
Funding Tracker
2026-09-03

NEW FITAA Requirements & webinar - Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act

UPDATE: The information webinar was cancelled due to technical difficulties and has been rescheduled for Sept. 17, 2:00 PM ET. To attend, please register here.

On August 4, 2026, the Government of Canada implemented the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) which aims to increase transparency around certain foreign influence activities to strengthen Canada’s national security and protect Canada’s democratic system.

 The academic sector is not exempt from FITAA requirements. Under the Act, individuals (e.g., faculty members, researchers, administrators, students, and staff) and organizations (e.g., academic institutions) are required to register certain arrangements they have entered into with a foreign principal if such arrangements involve undertaking activities aimed at influencing political or governmental processes at the federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal levels in Canada.

 Briefly, registration is required if the following three elements, which are defined under the Act, are present: a) Foreign principal, b) Influence activity, and c) Political or governmental process.

 Registration of arrangements must be completed within 14 days of the arrangement. “Active” arrangements that were made prior to August 4, 2026 may be registered until October 3, 2026.

 Additional guidance and resources:

Not sure if you need to register? Take this questionnaire to find out: https://www.canada.ca/en/foreign-influence-commissioner/find-out-if-you-need-to-register.html

FAQ's here: https://www.canada.ca/en/foreign-influence-commissioner/contact-us/frequently-asked-questions.html

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out if you still have questions or would like to discuss a specific matter: Charlene Simmonds, Research Security Manager, Research Initiatives & Services (RIS), csimmonds@mun.ca