Persons Permanently Bound to Secrecy – To Protect National Security

July 15, 2025 – Defence Stories

Estimated read time – 1:30

New designation for Canadian Forces personnel

The Government of Canada announced an important update to its security protocols, expanding the Persons Permanently Bound to Secrecy (PPBS) designation to include some DND/CAF units, sections or elements, and select positions (both current and former), with access to sensitive Special Operational Information (SOI)—vital for national defense and intelligence work. This move, which follows amendments passed in August 2024, aligns the DND/CAF with national security efforts by tightening controls on classified military information.

The PPBS designation process operates through two key methods:

1. Unit-based: If a unit or organization routinely handles SOI, all members of that unit will be automatically bound to secrecy.
2. Individual-based: Individuals with direct access to SOI, deemed to be integral to national security, may be recommended for PPBS designation by their chain of command. The designation is approved by the Deputy Minister for DND employees and Contractors, or the Chief of the Defence Staff for CAF members.

As part of this update, all individuals authorized to access Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) will also be designated PPBS in the coming months. This process will take time, as it impacts thousands of individuals across various levels within the military and defense agencies.

Once an individual is designated a PPBS it is for life. There are two new offences related to the unauthorized disclosure of SOI which carry severe criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to five years less a day (offence 1) and up to 14 years (offence 2).

For more details, employees and personnel can refer to the National Defence Security Orders and Directives, their Chain of Command, or reach out to the relevant policy office for further clarification.

This updated security framework is a critical step in ensuring that Canada’s military operations and intelligence are protected against the growing global threats to national security.

For more information on different security topics please visit the Security Awareness Toolkit found through the Director General Defence Security (DGDS) intranet page (accessible only on the National Defence network).