Guidance on Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act

On August 4, 2026, the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability Act (FITAA) and its associated regulations came into force. An interpretation bulletin has been released by the federal government to provide guidance for when licensed legal professionals must provide information to the Foreign Influence Transparency Commissioner via a registration form as per the Act.

The bulletin confirms that the Commissioner does not interpret the Act as requiring lawyers to register solely because they are providing legal advice or legal representation to a foreign client during litigation or private proceedings. It also states that activities protected by solicitor-client privilege are not intended to trigger registration requirements. However, activities outside the provision of legal services in relation to a political or governmental process as part of an arrangement with a foreign principal are considered a registerable activity.

Lawyers who act for foreign governments, foreign state-owned entities, or other foreign principals should review the bulletin carefully to determine whether any of their activities may fall within the scope of the legislation.

For more information, view the Federation of Law Societies of Canada’s Notice to the Profession.

If you have questions, contact the Law Society's Practice Advice team at practiceadvice@lsbc.org.