CSIS tracked the flow of intelligence within the government when investigating leaks of foreign interference

OTTAWA – Canada's spy agency tracked the flow of its intelligence reports within government and examined how other agencies handled them as part of an investigation into the sharing of classified information about foreign interference, according to a recently released memo.

The Canadian Secret Service described the “tireless efforts” in the memo, which was prepared for employees interested in an update on the investigation into unauthorized disclosures to the media.

In the statement, CSIS's Director General of Homeland Security said the investigation would “contribute to improved safeguards and measures to protect our information in the future.”

The Canadian Press used the Access to Information Act to obtain the March message and related internal emails about the spy agency's investigation.

The memo said CSIS's internal security was “actively investigating” whether classified information and documents from spy agencies had been leaked, which resulted in a series of media articles beginning in November 2022.

The RCMP and the Privy Council Office have also launched investigations.

As part of its efforts, CSIS examined the “extensive pathway” of the spy agency's finished intelligence products that routinely go to individuals with security clearances at various government agencies.

“While we cannot disclose specific details due to the RCMP's ongoing criminal investigation, I can assure you that we continue to make significant progress,” the memo to staff said.

In February 2023, the Globe and Mail newspaper, citing confidential CSIS records, said China was working to ensure a victory for the liberal minority in the 2021 general election and defeat conservative politicians seen as unfriendly to Beijing.

The federal government then appointed a special rapporteur to deal with foreign interference. This is one of several measures to counter interference and increase confidence in the electoral process.

The Globe and Mail published an open letter in March 2023 from an unnamed national security official who wrote that they had contacted the media because senior officials had failed to take serious action against foreign interference.

Facing further leaks to the media and pressure from opposition parties, the government announced last September that a judge in Quebec would lead a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference and the federal government's ability to address the problem.

When interviewed as part of the inquiry last month, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “The sensational nature of these criminal revelations has aroused the curiosity and attention, as well as the concern, of Canadians about the issue of foreign interference.”

But Trudeau rejected any suggestion that the revelations had spurred the government to act, saying: “It was something that this government had already dealt with and has continued to do.”

The March CSIS memo stressed to employees the importance of properly handling classified information, adding that no matter how well-intentioned a leak was, “the ends do not justify the means.”

“Impermissible disclosures compromise intelligence methods, expose strategies, and provide adversaries who continually seek new ways to undermine our security with invaluable intelligence that enables the implementation of measures to reduce the effectiveness of counterintelligence and counterterrorism operations,” the memo said .

“Unauthorized disclosures endanger sources and undermine our allies’ trust in Canada as a trusted intelligence partner.”

There are oversight and review processes within the federal government to raise concerns related to classified matters, the memo continued.

In response to questions, CSIS spokesman John Townsend said the agency continues to investigate the unauthorized release of classified information to the media “in parallel and in coordination with other government organizations as well as the RCMP criminal investigation.”

“As the investigation is ongoing, I cannot provide details or provide an update at this time. CSIS has and will continue to provide regular updates to employees as this investigation continues.”

Spokespeople for the RCMP and the Privy Council Office declined to comment due to ongoing investigations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 2, 2024.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press