Pinpointing foreign meddling of all kinds can be a challenge, ex-spies tell inquiry

OTTAWA — Detecting foreign meddling can be a significant challenge, whether it’s perpetrated by diplomats, through proxies acting on their behalf or anonymously via computer servers, former senior intelligence officials told a public inquiry Wednesday. The officials were invited to provide advice to the federal commission of inquiry as it prepares for hearings, likely to take place in late March, on allegations of foreign interference in the last two general elections. The inquiry will then turn to policy issues, examining the government’s ability to detect, deter and counter foreign interference targeting Canada’s democratic processes. Dick Fadden, a former director of…