Foreign Interference after the Foreign Interference Inquiry
Dates
November 30, 2026
Length of Course
3 hours
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Delivery Method
Online
Cost
$425 CAD
Includes a $25 non-refundable registration fee
Summary
The National Security Masterclass series addresses key national security issues for Canada, reflective of a turbulent security environment globally. Each masterclass will feature an intensive, fast-paced analysis of an issue, led by Dr. Wesley Wark. The key learning objective is to equip participants with a critical understanding of the policy challenges involved for each topic.
Masterclass Overview
The understanding of foreign interference benefited enormously from the final report of the Foreign Interference Inquiry, published in January 2025. The purpose of this masterclass is:
- to examine what we learned
- to consider changes that have been made since the Inquiry’s report, including the establishment of the Foreign Influence Transparency Registry
- to examine the current threats of foreign interference
- and to analyse Canada’s vulnerabilities and gaps in response.
Masterclass Series
The Balsillie Executive Institute is continuing its innovative series of national security masterclasses. Key topical issues reflect a changing national and global security environment and the threats and challenges facing Canada.
Each masterclass features an intensive, fast-paced analysis of the issues, led by Dr. Wesley Wark. The key learning objective of the masterclass is to equip students with a critical understanding of the policy challenges involved for each topic.
The masterclasses will be delivered online and run over a three-hour period from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET on select days. Masterclasses can be taken individually or as a complete series at a discounted rate.
Instructor
Wesley Wark is one of Canada’s leading experts on national security and intelligence. His most recent book is an edited volume, Secret Intelligence: A Reader (2nd edition, 2019). He co-led a major project sponsored by the Centre for International Governance Innovation on “Re-Imagining a Canadian National Security Strategy.” He also recently wrote a research paper for the Public Order Emergency Commission on “Intelligence and Public Order Emergencies” and co-authored a submission to the Foreign Interference Inquiry and regularly wrote about its proceedings.
He is a fellow of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto/Munk School of Global Affairs, and a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation.
Format
This masterclass will feature a mix of presentations, case studies and student-led discussions.
Registered students will be provided in advance with a detailed agenda and schedule, and a recommended reading list. The language of instruction will be English, and all discussions will be held under the Chatham House rule.
Audience
Prospective candidates will be asked to send a brief statement of interest and short bio (maximum one page) detailing their professional career. The statement will be treated in confidence and will be reviewed and approved by the course instructor.
This material should be sent electronically to: info@balsillieinstitute.ca. Selected candidates, once confirmed, can then register for the course.