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"The malicious, multi-faceted and ever-evolving tactics constitute a serious strategic threat," said Gould.

Microsoft and Facebook had also agreed to intensify efforts to combat disinformation, promote safeguards to address cyber security incidents and explain their rules about accepting political advertising, Gould said.

"I urge other platforms to follow suit in the coming days," she added in a clear reference to Twitter and Google.

Asked how she could ensure compliance given that the declaration is non-binding, Gould said the keen interest of the public, media and political parties would hold these platforms to account in the short term.

"I think they have an absolute interest to be good actors in the Canadian democratic space, and if that is not the case then we will be coming back with stronger regulatory reforms," she told reporters, without giving further details.

Sources said earlier this month that Canadian security services were alarmed by what they see as a potential weakness in political parties' cyber networks.

Polls suggest the Liberals could lose the election to the official opposition Conservatives.