General

Feds likely considering bigger CSIS role abroad

Federal government rumored to be weighing foreign espionage option

Now that is has a parliamentary majority, the Conservative government of Stephen Harper may soon dust off plans for endowing the Canadian Security Intelligence Service with powers to conduct covert operations abroad, writes the National Post’s John Ivison. Currently, CSIS can only engage in foreign espionage to stave off a known, direct threat to Canada. In the previous government, hot potato cases such as Omar Khadr’s and Adil Charkaoui’s forced the Conservatives to shelve the plan, adds Ivison citing anonymous sources. Now, though, they seem ready to push for expanding CSIS’s role abroad once again.

The National Post

Looking for more?

Get the Best of Maclean's sent straight to your inbox. Sign up for news, commentary and analysis.
  • By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
FILED UNDER: