The head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), David Vigneault, conveyed his support for the agency’s handling of sensitive information in the wake of a classified material leak, according to a recently released memo. In the February 24 message to staff, Vigneault expressed his faith in employees’ dedication to the law and their continued adherence to it, following a newspaper report that disclosed secret spy service documents on foreign interference. The source of the leak was deemed troubling for the Canadian government and CSIS. Vigneault emphasized the importance of ensuring the security of classified information in order to protect the agency’s techniques, sources, and employees.
The leak in question was reported by the Globe and Mail newspaper, which stated that China had made efforts to assist the Liberal Party in securing a victory in the 2021 general election, while aiming to defeat Conservative politicians deemed unfavorable to Beijing. Consequently, the government appointed a special rapporteur in March to investigate foreign interference and strengthen confidence in the electoral process.
During his memo, Vigneault noted that the secret documents that the Globe and Mail had accessed were shared among senior government officials and allied partners. Despite concerns expressed publicly about security within CSIS, Vigneault expressed his full confidence in the agency’s management of information and its adherence to the law. He assured employees that their tireless dedication and commitment to CSIS’s mission were unwavering.
Under Canada’s Security of Information Act, individuals bound to secrecy include present and former CSIS members, as well as various federal officials involved in security and intelligence. Vigneault, representing the entire executive committee of CSIS, assured employees that their commitment to upholding the Security of Information Act and their oath remained unbroken. He expressed pride in their work, particularly in uncovering evidence of foreign influence.
Vigneault also reminded personnel that support through CSIS’s employee assistance program was available for any personal concerns they might have. In March, both CSIS and the RCMP announced investigations into leaks to the media regarding foreign interference. An April update from the director general of internal security stated that employees were encouraged to come forward with relevant information for the ongoing investigation, assuring them of complete confidentiality.
Eric Balsam, a spokesman for CSIS, emphasized that the compromise of information can jeopardize the agency’s operations, the safety of its human sources and employees, as well as the trust of international partners. The investigations into the leaks continue, with CSIS and the RCMP coordinating their efforts. RCMP Sgt. Kim Chamberland added that the investigation is not focused on any single security agency and no further comments will be made at this time.