Transnational repression is a growing global human rights problem with significant implications for the security and well-being of diaspora members in Canada. Powerful authoritarian states and new tools of surveillance are making transnational repression worse. The Canadian government’s ability to respond to transnational repression is challenged by three factors: Ottawa’s pursuit of warmer ties with autocracies; Ottawa’s uncritical embrace of artificial intelligence innovation; and the United States’ descent into authoritarian rule. To help protect those at risk of transnational repression, Ottawa can implement domestic and foreign policies that reflect a strong commitment to human rights.
