Published on October 14, 2025 • 1-minute read
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This file photo shows the exterior of the CSIS building in Ottawa. POSTMEDIA NETWORK
OTTAWA — A recently released report from the spy watchdog indicates that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) did not have sufficient policies and procedures in place to manage a secret technology used for information collection.
The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency asserts that CSIS misrepresented this new technical capability as merely an extension of its existing expertise. This mischaracterization resulted in CSIS failing to consult with Public Safety Canada in a timely manner regarding its intended use of the technology, which goes against a ministerial directive on accountability.
Additionally, the watchdog noted that CSIS may have violated the CSIS Act, which mandates that the director consult with the deputy minister in certain situations. The review agency also discovered that CSIS retained collected information without clearly defining the authority for doing so.
A heavily redacted version of the review agency’s report was obtained by The Canadian Press through the Access to Information Act.
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