Do you know your security obligations?

July 15, 2024 - Defence Stories

Defence Security
 

All information belonging to the Government of Canada must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure as per the following legislation, orders and directives outlined in the video and infographic below.

Video / July 10, 2024

Transcript

At the center of Canada's government, Remi, a valued insider, finds himself at a crossroads: should he disclose classified data for personal gain, or stay true to his duty of safeguarding secrets?

Tempted by the allure of personal benefit, Remi recalls recent events where individuals faced serious consequences under the Security of Information Act (SOIA).

It's a sobering reminder that we can sometimes be our own worst enemy when certain information falls into the wrong hands.

Opting for loyalty over temptation, Remi resolves to remain loyal in safeguarding information, thus ensuring the protection of Canadian interests.

security of information obligations

Infographic – Text version

Security of information obligations

Those who have/had access to Government of Canada (GC) information as part of their official duties have an obligation to safeguard that information and not disclose it to unauthorized individuals under any circumstances.

All information belonging to the GC must be safeguarded from unauthorized disclosure as per the following legislation, orders and directives:

  • The Security of Information Act (SOIA) creates criminal offences relating to the unauthorized disclosure of information that the Government of Canada is taking measures to safeguard. All individuals may be subject to criminal prosecution under SOIA, including DND employees and CAF members, even after their release or termination of employment.
  • The National Defence Act (NDA) contains the Code of Service Discipline (CSD) which provides offences related to the security of information (e.g., Section 75). The CSD applies to serving CAF members, and retired CAF members if the offence occurred while they were serving members, as well as applying to civilians in certain circumstances.
  • DAOD 2006-1 provides direction to DND employees and CAF members for the proper safeguarding and authorized disclosure of information in the DND and the CAF. All types of information in the DND and the CAF must be appropriately protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, transmission, disposal or destruction throughout its lifecycle. This direction is applicable to all forms of information including unclassified information.
  • National Defence Security Orders and Directives (NDSOD) Chapter 6 and Standard 6, provide detailed instructions on all aspects of security of information, including authorized disclosure procedures.

For more information

The point of contact for this issue is:
DND.DGDSPolicies-DGDPolitiques.MDN@forces.gc.ca

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2024-07-15