Should Canada build a human-focused, foreign intelligence service?

Canada is facing a crucial question: should the country build a spy service to gather foreign intelligence via human sources? The idea has been proposed by experts like Stephanie Carvin, a former national security analyst, and has spurred a debate on how Canada can enhance its foreign-intelligence efforts.

The current landscape of intelligence gathering in Canada involves agencies like the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), which focus on security threats and cyber-intelligence, respectively. While these agencies play important roles, they do not specialize in gathering foreign intelligence through human sources.

The existing Global Security Reporting Program (GSRP) by Foreign Affairs Canada involves diplomats gathering information but is not an intelligence agency. With the unpredictable nature of the U.S. President Donald Trump’s intentions towards Canada, there are concerns about the impact on intelligence sharing between the two countries. Additionally, relying on foreign intelligence gathered by other parties may not always align with Canada’s interests.

Canada is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network, along with the U.S., U.K., Australia, and New Zealand. However, the recent reports of the U.S. considering ejecting Canada from the network have raised concerns about the reliability of intelligence sharing. While Canada is the only member of the Five Eyes without a human foreign-intelligence service, other allies like the U.K., U.S., Australia, and New Zealand have well-established agencies like MI6 and the CIA.

The proposal to establish a Canadian Foreign Intelligence Agency has surfaced in the past, but it has never materialized. Developing such a service would require significant resources, time, and political buy-in. Some experts suggest expanding CSIS’s mandate to include foreign intelligence or deepening partnerships with other allies outside the Five Eyes.

Political parties in Canada have varying views on the establishment of a human foreign-intelligence service. The Bloc Québécois supports studying the concept but emphasizes the risks involved in espionage. The Green Party believes the existing intelligence apparatus is sufficient, while the NDP supports strengthening Canada’s existing intelligence and foreign service. The Conservatives did not respond to questions on the issue, and the Liberals have not provided a comment.

Ultimately, the decision to build a spy service for gathering foreign intelligence via human sources in Canada would require careful consideration of the benefits, risks, and resources involved. It is a complex issue that warrants further discussion and evaluation to ensure Canada’s national security interests are effectively protected in an increasingly unstable global environment.