Briefing material prepared for the DIR of CSIS: Public Safety and National Security (SECU) Committee Appearance – November 2020
Mandate Items with a CSIS Nexus
Key Messages
CSIS is pleased to appear in front of this Committee to answer your questions about the ways in which the Service contributes to the Government’s work in protecting Canada’s national security interests and the safety of Canadians.
As a key member of Canada’s security and intelligence community, CSIS’ operational activities are guided by the Intelligence Priorities set by Cabinet which are refined by Minister Blair’s specific direction to the Service.
Though the broad threats we are mandated to investigate – espionage, foreign interference, terrorism and subversion – remain the same, CSIS operates in a constantly evolving operational landscape.
2020 has seen enormous societal upheaval caused by the pandemic which has radically changed both the threats we are investigating, but also the way in which we must work.
While terrorism and violent extremism remain the top threats to national security, an ever-more diverse group of politically, religiously, and ideologically motivated threat actors are willing to commit acts of violence.
The geopolitical landscape has also changed, with closed borders and changing priorities for states wrestling to respond to the pandemic and address its economic impacts.
Nearly two years ago I warned that the greatest threat to Canada’s prosperity and national interest was foreign interference and espionage. Today we’re seeing that play out in our economic recovery and pandemic response with threats from opportunistic foreign states.
These actors are targeting Canadian research and investments in critical sectors like biopharma, health sciences, and more.
Systemic hostile state espionage and interference jeopardizes our knowledge-based economy, future prosperity and national security. It also undermines Canada’s democratic processes, institutions and fabric of our multicultural society.
CSIS continues to engage directly with the private sector, industry associations, research institutions and all levels of government, to ensure they are aware of these threats and are equipped to protect against them.
As we seek to fulfill our mandate, we are also faced with strategic challenges, including in our engagement with the Federal Court and as we undertake our activities in communities across Canada.
We are working actively and cooperating closely with our review bodies, to respond to the concerns regarding our duty of candour to the Court.
Maintaining and strengthening public confidence is a key objective of the Service. CSIS has made a commitment to being more transparent about the threats we are facing, and how we do our work, including by directly engaging communities.
We are also undergoing a period of transformation internally, underpinned by an emphasis on our employees as our most valuable resource. Ensuring we are an inclusive, diverse and respectful workplace is essential to fulfill our mandate and to maintain the standard of excellence that Canadians expect of our organization.
In spite of these unprecedented and trying times, I can assure you that, in collaboration with our domestic partners and key allies abroad, we will continue to take every measure to protect Canada’s national security, including our economic security, while addressing the challenges of this global pandemic.
Director of Terrorism Prosecutions
Issue: How is CSIS supporting Public Safety on mandate letter requirement to “work with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada to coordinate efforts to prosecute terror suspects to the fullest extent of the law, including bringing forward the creation of the Director of Terrorism Prosecutions”?
Key Messages
CSIS is mandated to investigate threats to the security of Canada, advise the Government of these threats, and take measures to reduce them. This includes threats posed by individuals who travel abroad to join terrorist organizations, or who participate in terrorist activity here at home. CSIS takes this mandate very seriously.
Certainly, prosecution is the best possible outcome of a national security criminal investigation into terrorist activity, but public safety is our principal concern.
I can assure you that CSIS is committed to working with the RCMP and other federal partners, using every tool at our disposal, to protect Canadians. We have undertaken significant efforts to improve our operational collaboration with the RCMP, with this objective in mind.
At the same time, we engage with Public Safety Canada and other federal partners to advance efforts to explore additional ways to better protect national security and enhance public safety.
Further questions on the Director of Terrorism Prosecutions are better addressed by Public Safety itself or the Minister, rather than CSIS.
Encryption and Online Harm
Issue: What is CSIS’ position on online harm and its relation to end-to-end encryption? Will the Government introduce new legislation/rules/regulations on encryption?
Key Messages
CSIS is mandated to investigate threats to the security of Canada, advise the Government of these threats, and take measures to reduce them. There is a clear link between our mandate and online harmful activities conducted by threat actors.
Radicalization, both offline and online, remains a significant concern to Canada and its allies, and we are working closely with our domestic and international partners to identify and assess threat activities.
The increasing prevalence of digital technology in the lives of Canadians is changing our economy and our society.
One of the challenges posed by this transformation has been the use of online spaces to carry out activities that are either illegal or harmful to Canadian society. The trend towards encrypting illegal or harmful communications has raised concerns domestically and internationally.
CSIS takes its obligation to uphold the privacy of Canadians very seriously; this includes protecting their right to freedom of expression and association, maintaining cybersecurity and protecting the digital economy.
But CSIS must be equipped to fulfill its mandate in an ever-more complex technological landscape without undermining these legal obligations and the trust Canadians place in us.
Systemic Racism
Issue: Is CSIS willing to recognize there is systemic racism in our society and in federal policing in Canada?
Key Messages
CSIS, and I as its leader, acknowledge that there are social and administrative structures and systems in place in our organization that result in – or fail to prevent – disadvantaging certain people or groups. This is systemic racism.
The Service is working hard to integrate strategies and approaches that help to reverse systemic barriers and broaden the organization’s understanding, appreciation, and valuing of diversity of all types. We are looking at our people, our systems and our culture to effect this change.
For example, earlier today, CSIS published its Code of Conduct for the first time. This is an important step in our commitment towards a healthy and respectful workplace. It clearly articulates what is expected of employees and it has been built into the performance evaluations of every employee at all levels to ensure that the responsibility of creating a respectful workplace is shared.
Each and every CSIS employee is responsible for ensuring that their actions, behaviours and decisions are inclusive and respectful and that any instances of exclusion, bias, or disrespect – systemic or otherwise – are addressed. That is why operational personnel receive training on unconscious bias to overcome their own biases and assumptions.
Operationally, CSIS does not employ racial profiling. CSIS targets threats, not groups. It is not only unethical but it also does nothing to further our mission and national security investigations.
Simply put, systemic racism exists in Canada. It is something that cannot be tolerated within any part of Canada’s national institutions, including ours.
Actions taken to date
CSIS is taking deliberate steps to increase diversity and inclusion across the Service.
That is why in 2019 CSIS established its Gender Based Analysis+ Unit (GBA+) to further ensure its policies and operations are bias-free and evidence-based.
These steps include numerous targeted initiatives intended to increase overall representation of diverse groups in the Service, address gaps in specific occupational categories, and establish and entrench expectations for a bias-free, respectful organization.
CSIS is also working proactively with employment equity groups, fosters mentorships programs internally to support diverse employees in preparing for competitions, and has a diverse Talent Acquisition and Student Hiring team, with resources dedicated to ensuring diversity.
Furthermore, CSIS Executives have met multiple times with the Association of Black Law Enforcers (A.B.L.E.), just as recently as last week, for thoughtful discussions on a range of issues related to diversity and inclusion, and are committed to listening and learning through employee experiences.
As Director, I have personally committed to working to ensure that CSIS’ workplace is free from discrimination, bias, harassment, or bullying so that all employees come to work every day in a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
To this end, the task of creating a respectful workplace has been built into the performance evaluations of each and every employee and CSIS has revised its Code of Conduct to clearly outline expectations. Comprehensive training equips employees to meet these requirements.
COVID-19 Response
Issue: What is CSIS doing to address the COVID-19 pandemic?
Key Messages
During these unprecedented times, the Service has continued its priority operational activities uninterrupted to fulfill our critical mission to protect Canada and Canadians from threats to national security.
Because of the Service’s unique requirements and essential role, this has included maintaining a physical presence in our offices. To accomplish this safely, we were careful in adopting the necessary measures to protect employees in accordance with local public health guidance.
CSIS continues to monitor the situation closely and is working with the Public Health Agency of Canada and other partners to mitigate risks to employees caused by COVID-19.
The reality is, threat actors use crises, such as this pandemic, to exploit weakness for their own gain. CSIS has seen, and with its partners, been actively countering threats to Canada’s public health response to the pandemic from protecting our access to Personal Protective Equipment to vaccine research and development.
The economic instability caused by the pandemic has also created opportunities for threat actors to take advantage of vulnerable companies in strategic sectors, to the detriment of Canada’s national security and financial recovery.
On specific measures taken
At the height of the first wave, CSIS invoked its Business Continuity and Incident Management programme to ensure the continuity of operations in the case of closures due to the pandemic.
CSIS also developed a Pandemic Response Plan, which detailed a high level governance framework for how the organization would ensure coordination between key stakeholders in the preparation, mitigation and recovery phases of the pandemic.
The Service ATIP program was suspended from March 16, 2020 until May 19, 2020. Since May 19, the ATIP program has resumed actively responding to ATIP requests.
Outreach to Biopharma
Issue: What is CSIS doing to protect Canada’s health research sectors during this pandemic?
Key Messages
I’d like to take the opportunity to talk about the important work that our employees are doing every day to respond to threats associated with Canada’s pandemic response.
Canadian businesses remain vulnerable to economic espionage by foreign hostile states who wish to take advantage of the uncertainty created by the current global situation.
While I cannot discuss the precise nature of our investigations, I can say that we are actively investigating specific threats.
Additionally, we routinely engage with a variety of stakeholders, including private companies and universities, to discuss potential threats to the security and interests of Canada, and to provide unclassified briefings.
We have launched an outreach campaign amongst the biopharma and health care sectors, which are significantly at risk as many countries are accelerating their COVID-19 research and development to support the pandemic response. This is a proactive effort to raise awareness of the potential threat.
To give an example, last summer, CSIS delivered a presentation on espionage and foreign interference threats to BIOTech Canada, an industry association representing Canada’s biopharma sector.
This is just one recent example of the significant nationwide outreach effort that the Service has undertaken to help protect Canadian research and development organizations, including during this pandemic.
Foreign Interference in Canada’s Democratic Institutions
Issue: What is CSIS’ understanding of this threat? What is CSIS’ role in protecting Canada’s democracy?
Key Messages
Democratic institutions and processes, including elections, are vulnerable and valuable targets for hostile activities by state actors. Canada is not immune to these threat activities.
Certain hostile activities by state actors seek to manipulate and abuse Canada’s democratic system to further their own national interests, or to discredit Canada’s democratic institutions to erode public confidence.
The scope of observed foreign interference activities is broad, encompassing a range of techniques (human intelligence operations, the use of state-sponsored or foreign influenced media, and the use of sophisticated cyber-tools) against a range of Canadian interests (our prosperity, innovation, foreign policy, military, democracy and social harmony).
With respect to our democracy, threat actors have sought to clandestinely target politicians, political parties, electoral nomination processes, and media outlets in order to influence the Canadian public and democratic processes.
Foreign states or their proxies have also threatened and intimidated persons in Canada, including members of Canadian communities, to attempt to influence their opinions and behaviours.
CSIS actively investigated a number of threats across Canada related to the 2019 Federal Elections. CSIS provided classified briefings on its threat assessments and investigations to the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol Panel, though none met the threshold for public announcement.
While I cannot provide more detail, CSIS takes all allegations of interference in any of Canada’s democratic institutions or processes by a foreign state are taken very seriously.
When community groups in Canada are subjected to such manipulation or intimidation by foreign states seeking to gather support for or mute criticism of their policies, these activities constitute a threat to Canada’s sovereignty and to the safety of Canadians.
On CSIS’ role in protecting Canada’s democratic institutions
CSIS is responsible for advising the Government of Canada on foreign interference threats to national security.
CSIS distinguishes between overt – and sometimes aggressive – lobbying and clandestine or deceptive interference activities. Clandestine “foreign interference” activities can pose significant harm to our democratic institutions and processes.
CSIS has longstanding investigations into specific threat actors who are believed to be targeting Canada and Canadians through clandestine, deceptive or threatening means.
CSIS also works closely with other government partners, inside and outside the security and intelligence community, to address these types of national security threats.
As a member of the Security and Intelligence Threats to Elections (SITE) Task Force, CSIS worked closely with partners in efforts to raise awareness and assess threats against foreign interference into the 2019 Federal Elections.
CSIS actively investigated a number of threats across Canada in relation to the elections. CSIS provided classified briefings on its threat assessments and investigations to the Critical Election Incident Public Protocol Panel, though none met the threshold for public announcement.
While I cannot provide more detail, CSIS takes all allegations of interference in any of Canada’s democratic institutions or processes by a foreign state are taken very seriously.
On foreign interference in US Elections
We are aware of the FBI’s announcement last week that it identified that two foreign actors, Iran and Russia, had taken specific actions to influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming US elections.
Here at home, CSIS is responsible for advising the Government of Canada on foreign interference threats to national security.
While I cannot speak about threats in detail, allegations of interference in any of Canada’s democratic institutions or processes by a foreign state are taken very seriously by CSIS.
Even beyond the 2019 election, CSIS continues to play a key role in protecting Canada’s democracy as investigates threats of foreign interference, and advises government partners accordingly.
Espionage and Economic Security
Issue: What is CSIS’ assessment of the threat posed by China’s foreign interference activities?
Key Messages
As an advanced economy and an open and free democracy, Canada has long been targeted by hostile states seeking to gain information, intelligence and influence to advance their own national interests.
Canada’s abundance of natural resources, advanced technology, human talent, and expertise makes us a world leader in many sectors. We have powerful allies with whom we enjoy close economic, security, and defence relationships.
All these factors make Canada and Canadian companies a target. CSIS assesses that a number of hostile states seek to conduct espionage and interfere in our economy and in our critical sectors in particular.
As a Service, we are increasingly concerned about the threat that the Government of China represents to Canada and Canadian interests.
While China is an important partner for Canada on many fronts, it is also a sophisticated and powerful player in the field of intelligence. It has the capacity to conduct foreign interference activities in Canada by applying pressure and influence in a clandestine and deceptive manner to pursue its strategic objectives. Notably, China can compel its private citizens and firms anywhere in the world to assist such efforts under its 2017 National Intelligence Law.
While I cannot speak in detail about operational matters today, I can assure you that CSIS is actively investigating all threats of espionage and foreign interference in Canada and engages with your colleagues on the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians on these important matters in a classified setting.
On the targeting of research
Organizations across Canada engaged in efforts to combat COVID-19 and its effects may be particularly vulnerable to economic espionage at this time.
Foreign states seek to acquire Canadian technology and expertise by using a range of traditional and non-traditional collection tradecraft, including by targeting academic research.
CSIS has identified universities, medical research institutes and laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and high-tech companies as potential targets of threat actors.
We are particularly concerned about this threat with regard to the state-sponsored activities of China, and to a lesser degree from Russia and other nations, secretly seeking advantage.
As you may be aware, on May 14th, CSIS and CSE released a joint statement to the media regarding increased risk to Canadian health and research centres, and businesses, due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
We leveraged CSIS expertise and its footprint in every region of the country to launch a nationwide outreach initiative to raise awareness of the risks of economic espionage and protect the interests of biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries and businesses – and by extension the interests of all Canadians.
This initiative has had an important impact already. In just a few months, we briefed more than 200 organizations and 1,000 individuals who are now well-informed about the possible threats and have the tools necessary to protect themselves, their research and their employees.
On CSIS’ role in reviewing foreign investments
CSIS’ 2019 Public Report makes clear that foreign interference and espionage are persistent, and increasing in some areas.
This activity can occur through the foreign acquisition of and/or investment into sensitive, Canadian intellectual property and technology, which directly threatens Canada’s economic prosperity and national interests.
In fact, CSIS is seeing an increased risk of foreign interference and espionage due to the extraordinary effort of our businesses and research centres during this pandemic. As a result, CSIS is conducting outreach and working with these organizations to ensure that their work and proprietary information remains safely in their control.
CSIS also continues to support Government of Canada national security reviews under the Investment Canada Act, and provides advice on the national security threat associated with certain foreign investments and acquisitions.
Section 38 of the Investment Canada Act sets out national security provisions which are used to assess proposed or implemented investments of Canadian business. The Governor in Council may take into account a number of factors related to national security, including; the potential impact of the investment on the security of Canada’s critical infrastructure; potential impact on the supply of critical goods and services; and potential impact of Canada’s defence capabilities and interests, to name a few.
On media reports on the Thousand Talent Program
Espionage and Foreign Interference are significant threats to Canada’s national security and its strategic interests.
Canada’s research institutions are world leaders in various sectors that are of interest to foreign states and threat actors use various means to acquire sensitive Canadian technology and expertise.
CSIS is aware that foreign talent recruitment programs are used to advance the economic and strategic objectives of hostile states at the expense of Canada’s national interests, including by China.
Such efforts may result in lost jobs and expertise, a loss in Canadian government-funded research, and a diminished competitive global advantage.
These threats are especially heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. I can assure Canadians that our security agencies are working very hard to protect Canadian research and academic institutions by ensuring they understand the threat and that those at risk have the necessary tools to protect themselves.
Ideologically Motivated Violent Extremism
Issue: What is ideologically motivated violent extremism? What is CSIS’ role and assessment of this threat?
Key Messages
CSIS takes very seriously the long standing threats posed by individuals who engage in religiously, politically or ideologically motivated violent extremism
The uncertain environment caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic is ripe for exploitation by those to making and spreading extremist propaganda.
It is important to understand that extremism can stem from a range of motivations and personal grievances and is driven by hatred and fear and includes a complex range of threat actors.
Extremists draw inspiration from a variety of sources including, books music, and of course, online discussions, videos and propaganda. Those holding extremist views often attempt to create a culture of fear, hatred and mistrust by leveraging an online audience in an attempt to legitimize their beliefs and move from the fringes of society to the mainstream.
Though I cannot speak to any specific cases, we continue to work with our Government of Canada partners within our mandate, including providing security screening assessments and ensuring threat awareness through advice.
As a civilian security intelligence agency, CSIS works closely with its domestic and international partners on understanding the evolution of the extremist landscape and emerging threat environment so that it is positioned to provide assessments and advice to support actions, including by law enforcement as appropriate.
On CSIS’ understanding of the threat
Canada is not immune to acts committed in the name of ideologically, politically or religiously motivated violent extremism, with the 2017 shooting at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Quebec City, the 2018 van attack and 2020 spa attack in Toronto.
The motivations behind violent extremists have become more complex. Individuals who commit violent acts are no longer influenced by a singular and definable belief system, but a range of very personal and diverse grievances.
For that reason, CSIS took a leading role in developing an understanding and terminology that more accurately depicts the broad range of terrorist and violent extremist threat facing Canada.
CSIS stopped using terms such as right-wing” and “left-wing” and instead uses ideologically, politically or religiously motivated violent extremist – this language is reflected in the Minister’s mandate letter to capture the complex landscape of these threat actors, and is reflected in CSIS’ 2019 Public Report.
The terminology we use when discussing threats to our national security matter. It matters not only to understand the threat posed by various violent extremist threat actors but also to ensure we are not using words that unintentionally or unfairly stigmatize any given community.
US Elections
Issue: is CSIS monitoring the US Elections in terms of possible foreign interference and civil unrest?
Key Messages
In all matters, including and especially when it comes to security and intelligence, the United States remains our most important partner and closest ally.
Democratic institutions and processes, including elections, are vulnerable and valuable targets for hostile state actors. Canada is not immune to these threat activities. Neither is the United States, as we have seen recently and in 2016.
We have witnessed that the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the US elections, offers fertile grounds for dangerous conspiracy theories.
Though based in the United States, this trend has had an international reach, including in Canada with narratives like QAnon.
On top of the pandemic, protests in the US and the election campaign have provided fuel for the discourse of a variety of IMVE groups in the US some of which also have links to Canada.
We are aware of acts of violence and disrupted plots in the US with links to some of these entities.
The threat posed by ideologically-motivated violent extremism remains a priority for CSIS.
I am in constant touch with my US counterparts, and as the election in the United States approaches, we will continue to engage closely to assess any and all threats with a nexus to Canada.
On foreign interference in US Elections
We are aware of the FBI’s announcement last week that it had identified that two foreign actors, Iran and Russia, had taken specific actions to influence public opinion ahead of the upcoming US elections.
Here at home, CSIS is responsible for advising the Government of Canada on foreign interference threats to national security.
Even beyond the 2019 election, CSIS continues to play a key role in protecting Canada’s democracy as investigates threats of foreign interference, and advises government partners accordingly.
Religiously Motivated Violent Extremism
Issue: is CSIS still concerned about religiously motivated violent extremism in light of the recent attack in France?
Key Messages
Recent acts of extremist violence in the west have been characterized by low-sophistication, high-impact attacks, frequently targeting soft targets. The multiple recent attacks in France are a shocking example of this.
Canada is not immune to acts committed in the name of religiously motivated violent extremism; you will all remember the October 2014 attacks in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu and in Ottawa.
Canadians and Canadian interests abroad have also been the targets of acts of religiously-motivated extremist violence in an ever-evolving global threat landscape.
As you can appreciate, I cannot discuss the precise nature of our investigations due to national security reasons. But I can assure you that CSIS takes very seriously the threats posed by violent extremists, both at home and around the world, regardless of their motivation.
5G
Issue: What is CSIS’ role in the ongoing Government review of 5G? Will the Government ban certain companies from participating in 5G implementation in Canada?
Key Messages
The Government of Canada is currently conducting a review, led by Public Safety, to determine the Canadian approach for the implementation of 5G technologies in telecommunications networks.
The Service is actively engaged, along with its other government partners, in this review. Specifically, CSIS is providing advice regarding national security threats.
At this time, I cannot speak to any specifics regarding the review that is underway or CSIS’ advice.
It is important to note that 5G technologies have the potential to revolutionize the telecommunications sector and have a transformational impact on the lives of Canadians and the Canadian economy.
However, these emerging technologies also have the potential to introduce new risks to the safety of Canadians and to Canada’s national security.
We continue to work closely with Public Safety, CSE and other government partners to support Canadian efforts to protect Canada’s critical infrastructure from security threats.
On Allied approaches to 5G
Canada’s allies have taken different approaches to 5G implementation, adopting various mitigation measures to protect their national security in response to the needs of their unique environments.
CSIS, and its government partners, are engaged in ongoing discussions with our allies on these issues.
CSIS Federal Court Decision (En Banc)
Issue: The Federal Court released its ruling on the Canadian Security Intelligence Service’s (CSIS) duty of candour obligations to the Court on July 16th, 2020. Media coverage of this focused on the comprehensive external review ordered as a result.
Key Messages
Protecting Canadians in a manner that is compliant with the law is something that CSIS is determined to uphold.
Importantly, the issue raised by the En Banc decision has now been addressed with the passage of the National Security Act 2017, which provides CSIS with a limited justification framework to conduct activities that would otherwise constitute offences.
The potentially illegal activities involved in this case are, in fact, routine intelligence collection activities, used around the world by national security and law enforcement agencies to investigate terrorism and keep people safe, such as: paying a source for information, or providing a cell phone to a source to assist them in undertaking their work.
CSIS has taken concrete steps to address the Court’s concerns, which include proactively commissioning reviews conducted by external partners to ensure that CSIS duties are conducted in accordance with the law and cooperating fully with the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency’s review of the matter.
In response to the court’s criticism of CSIS’ with regard to its Duty of Candour, the Service has taken concrete steps to improve organizational awareness. Additional training is being provided to employees to enhance internal understanding of CSIS’ role and its obligations to the Federal Court, the Government of Canada and Canadians.
In addition to these measures, I would like to reiterate that CSIS works hard to protect our country and Canadians from a wide range of national security threats. The Court has acknowledged this and recognized that the consequences of failure are significant. At no time was the safety of Canadians at risk, nor were our rights and freedoms threatened.
The Government is now appealing a narrow but important question of law respecting solicitor-client privilege, and I will not address details of the matter while it is before the Court.
Workplace Climate - Diversity and Inclusivity
Issue: What is CSIS doing to address the workplace issues raised by claims from former employees?
Key Messages
I would like to make clear that CSIS takes any allegation of inappropriate behaviour, including harassment and discrimination, very seriously.
Over the past few years, in response to some serious allegations, we have been taking steps to ensure CSIS is a healthy and respectful work environment.
Just like the people of Canada, we are a diverse and inclusive workforce. Our diversity allows us to better understand the demographics of the Canadian communities we protect and gives us better tools to collect relevant and accurate intelligence.
I have personally committed to working to ensure that CSIS is a workplace free from discrimination, bias, harassment, or bullying so that all employees come to work every day in a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
Given the complexity of the current threat environment, I need to make sure all of my employees are at their best. And certainly in these challenging times, this is growing organizational priority.
I have made it clear that senior management will continue to be accountable in demonstrating leadership and commitment to building and sustaining a healthy workplace.
A healthy workplace is a successful workplace. As the Director of CSIS, I take the greatest pride in the exceptional quality of our workforce. Our people are CSIS’ most valuable resource.
On specific measures taken
As a result of the 2017 Toronto Region Workplace Climate Assessment, I can say emphatically that we have made improvements to our reporting system, so that all our employees come to work every day in a safe, healthy and respectful environment.
That is why I have taken concrete steps to strengthen the cultural values of our workplace, this includes:
Adding enhanced mandatory training for supervisors and a common performance objective for all CSIS employees and executives on promoting a healthy workplace,
Launching The Respect Campaign to re-enforce the importance of respect in our working relationships,
Renewing our Code of Conduct and making it a condition of employment, and
Holding numerous informal meetings and town halls at our offices across the country to discuss any concerns employees may have about their workplace climate.
Our employees are always encouraged to report incidents of harassment, discrimination, or bullying without fear of reprisal and all of our managers are required to act promptly on any issues brought to their attention, and if necessary, request a formal investigation.
Our renewed leadership training for managers is focused on fostering the right competencies to ensure strong supervisory and people management skills at all levels, and to ensure managers exhibit the Service’s values and ethics through all of their actions and behaviour.
CSIS will continue to ensure that the behaviour of all employees reflects our Code of Conduct which includes respect for people, democracy, integrity, stewardship and professional excellence.
As the trust of Canadians is essential in order for CSIS to fulfill its mandate, I am committed to keeping Canadians informed on our progress to address these issues.
Flight PS752
Issue: in light of reports about Iran’s behavior towards its citizens abroad in the context of Flight PS752. What is CSIS doing to protect Iranian-Canadians?
Key Messages
CSIS investigates and advises the Government of Canada, including key partners in law enforcement, on threats posed by foreign-influenced activities that are carried out in a clandestine or deceptive manner or involve a threat to any person.
Following tragic events such as the downing of flight PS752, we work with allies and other government departments. As importantly, we work with those we aim to protect.
Through time, CSIS has invested significant effort in building relationships with individuals, communities and community leaders to establish and sustain trust. In times of crisis, such as the downing of PS 752, we reach out to offer our support and our commitment to work in partnership to help protect and safeguard individuals from intimidation or hostile activities by foreign state actors. Those actions are threats to the values, freedom and rights we hold dear.
While our work to defend Canadians, people living in Canada, and Canadian interests may be done away from the public eye, our steadfast and open commitment is to work in partnership with communities and individuals, alongside law enforcement, to keep them safe from harm and intimidation.
Canadians can be assured that CSIS takes any allegation of foreign interference very seriously and uses the full mandate of the CSIS Act in order to investigate, advise and respond to the threat. We do this to ensure Canadians remain safe both at home and abroad.
