OTTAWA – Canada’s spy services tracked the flow of their intelligence reports within the government and studied how other agencies handled them as part of an investigation into leaks of classified information about the interference foreign, according to a recently published note.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service described its “tireless efforts” in the memo prepared for staff seeking an update on the investigation into unauthorized disclosures to the media.

In the memo, CSIS’s director general of Homeland Security said the investigation would “help improve safeguards and measures to protect our information in the future.”

The Canadian Press used the Access to Information Act to obtain the March message and related internal emails regarding the spy agency’s investigation.

The memo says CSIS internal security has been “actively investigating” leaks of classified information and documents from spy agencies that led to a series of media articles beginning in November 2022.

The RCMP and the Privy Council Office have also launched investigations.

As part of its efforts, CSIS has verified the “extended pathway” of finished intelligence products from spy services that routinely reach individuals with security clearances at various government agencies.

“While we are unable to release specific details due to the ongoing RCMP criminal investigation, I can assure you that we continue to make significant progress,” the memo to staff said.

In February 2023, the Globe and Mail newspaper, citing classified CSIS documents, said that China had worked to ensure the victory of the liberal minority in the 2021 general election and to defeat conservative politicians seen as hostile to Beijing.

The federal government then appointed a special rapporteur to examine foreign interference, one of several measures aimed at countering interference and building confidence in the electoral process.

The Globe and Mail published an open letter in March 2023 from an anonymous national security official who wrote that he spoke to the media because senior officials were not taking serious action against foreign interference.

Amid further media leaks and pressure from opposition parties, the government announced in September last year that a Quebec judge would lead a public inquiry into allegations of foreign interference and the federal capacity to resolve this question.

Questioned last month during the inquiry, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that “the sensational nature of these criminal leaks has piqued the curiosity, attention and concerns of Canadians regarding the issue of foreign interference.”

But Trudeau rejected any suggestion that the leaks had prompted the government to act, saying “this was really an issue that this government had already worked hard with and continues to do so.”

The March CSIS memo stressed to employees the importance of proper handling of classified information, adding that even if a leak was well-intentioned, “the ends do not justify the means.”

“Unauthorized disclosures endanger intelligence methods, expose strategy, and provide adversaries – constantly looking for new avenues to compromise our security – with invaluable information that enables the implementation of measures aimed at reducing effectiveness counterintelligence and counterterrorism operations,” the memo said. .

“Unauthorized disclosures put sources at risk and undermine our allies’ confidence in Canada as a trusted intelligence partner. »

There are oversight and review processes within the federal government to voice concerns related to classified matters, the memo added.

In response to questions, CSIS spokesman John Townsend said the intelligence agency continues to investigate the unauthorized release of classified information to the media, “in parallel and in coordination with other organizations government authorities as well as the RCMP criminal investigation.

“As investigations are ongoing, I am unable to elaborate or provide an update at this time. CSIS has and will continue to provide regular updates to its employees as these investigations continue.

Spokespeople for the RCMP and the Privy Council Office declined to comment due to ongoing investigations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published November 2, 2024.