US EditionInternal memo flags the promise and pitfalls of expanding CSIS’s foreign spy role
The memo says a standalone agency would be costly and delay operations for years, while an expanded CSIS role could be less disruptive.
- A CSIS memo outlines three paths for launching a foreign human intelligence service, suggesting Ottawa could create a dedicated agency, incubate capabilities within CSIS, or permanently expand CSIS mandates.
- Canada has historically relied on allied partnerships for foreign intelligence, but the memo notes that in "an uncertain geopolitical context," the country's demand for independent intelligence collection may grow.
- Establishing a standalone agency would be costly and "highly disruptive," while fostering capabilities within CSIS could be "minimally disruptive," though it risks "mandate overlap" with current security roles.
- Former national security adviser Vincent Rigby calls for a public debate, while Mark Carney's government has yet to release a national security strategy promised "in due course" last September.
- Rigby emphasized that a Canadian service should not replicate the CIA or MI6, advocating instead for a "made-in-Canada solution" that advances national interests without unsavoury acts.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Should Canada’s spy agency be more like CIA, MI6? CSIS memo outlines concerns
An internal Canadian Security Intelligence Service memo says allowing the spy agency to collect foreign intelligence overseas would capitalize on its “existing footprint and expertise,” but might also invite a host of problems.
Internal memo discusses the promise and pitfalls of expanding CSIS's foreign spy role
An internal Canadian Security Intelligence Service memo says allowing the spy agency to collect foreign intelligence overseas would capitalize on its "existing footprint and expertise," but might also invite a host of problems.
The Toronto Star
Internal memo flags the promise and pitfalls of expanding CSIS’s foreign spy role
OTTAWA - An internal Canadian Security Intelligence Service memo says allowing the spy agency to collect foreign intelligence overseas would capitalize on its "existing footprint and expertise," but might also
Winnipeg Free Press
Internal memo flags the promise and pitfalls of expanding CSIS's foreign spy role
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
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