Parliamentary panel scrutinizes Canada's ability to collect foreign intelligence
Members of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians are reviewing how Canada gathers intelligence abroad as the government weighs a new spy agency.
Parliamentarians serving on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians have launched a review of Canada's foreign intelligence gathering, amid ongoing discussion about creating a separate overseas spy agency. The committee's secretariat offered no specifics on the timeline or focus, and chair Darren Fisher was unavailable for comment. Members will consider an academic study that traces the post-World War II debate over a dedicated foreign service.
Records obtained from Public Safety Canada reveal that cabinet ministers, including Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree, have been updated on proposals to broaden Canada's ability to collect and act on foreign intelligence. A CSIS memo from last year warned that geopolitical uncertainty could increase demand for such capabilities, noting Canada currently relies heavily on allied partners. The review coincides with the Carney government's preparation of its first national security strategy in over twenty years, which aims to enhance autonomy, resilience, and economic security.
Why it matters
The review could reshape Canada's intelligence architecture and affect its ability to respond to global threats.
In this story
