DM/CDS Message: Responsibilities relating to security of knowledge and information during and after service

September 28, 2023 – Defence Stories

Defence Team,

Recent reports have raised concerns about former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) pilots possibly sharing their knowledge and expertise through post military employment with the armed forces of nations whose interests diverge from our own.

Our adversaries and competitors actively and aggressively strive to enhance their own capabilities, knowledge, and expertise by harnessing Canada’s experiences and those of our allies. All Defence Team members, civilian and military, serving and retired, must be aware to this stark reality. This is real.

Such reports, while under investigation, serve as a sober reminder of our responsibility to protect not just classified information, but the skills and knowledge we gain throughout our careers. The issue extends beyond pilots just sharing information after their service. Safeguarding this knowledge and information is a collective requirement and compliance is mandatory for all Defence Team members, from our initial employment and to beyond the end of our respective careers.

Regardless of your position, we remind you that we each have a responsibility to always be mindful of the information, knowledge, and expertise we share and the potential impact it could have on Canada’s security, and the trust of our closest allies.

Safeguarding this information is a cornerstone of our ability to conduct activities and operations, both at home and abroad with our allies and partners. Sensitive information and knowledge must be appropriately protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, transmission, disposal, or destruction.

This obligation is rooted in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the protection of government information, which aligns with the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, and various government policies, directives, and standards regulating open government, transparency, and media engagement. The unauthorized disclosure or use of sensitive information and knowledge may breach those obligations and may result in consequences for those breaches, including under the Security of Information Act.

It is crucial to understand that not all unclassified information is readily available for disclosure. Some unclassified information carries sensitivities, and its improper disclosure may harm the interests of Canadians, as well as our partners and allies. Unauthorized disclosure or misuse of information can have severe consequences for Canada’s national security.

The obligation to protect information, knowledge, skills and expertise gained during our time in the DND/CAF from unauthorized disclosure or misuse extends beyond service or employment as part of the Defence Team. To reinforce this commitment, security awareness products are regularly issued, which are also available on the intranet at Security Awareness Toolkit (accessible only on the National Defence network).

We are enhancing and reinforcing our internal processes for CAF members and DND employees to ensure that all members and employees have a clear understanding of post-employment responsibilities regarding government information. These efforts are aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability for Defence Team members.

Security is not just a task but a collective mindset that defines our commitment to defending Canada's interests and being a trusted ally. We rely on each of you to uphold these principles, ensuring that DND and the CAF remain secure in the face of evolving threats.

Bill Matthews
Deputy Minister

General Wayne Eyre
Chief of the Defence Staff