Chong interference memo fell into a ‘black hole’, Trudeau adviser tells committee

Ottawa needs to improve the way it manages intelligence and is working to close communication gaps, Trudeau's national security adviser told a parliamentary committee Thursday.

The prime minister’s national security adviser says Ottawa needs to improve the way it manages intelligence, and officials are taking steps to address breakdowns in communication within government.

Jody Thomas made the comments Thursday morning at a meeting of a parliamentary committee that is investigating allegations that members of Parliament were targeted by foreign interference.

Thomas said she wouldn’t speculate on the specifics of what took place before her tenure, after watchdog David Johnston found in a recent report that there were serious issues with the way the government handles confidential information.

The former governor general’s report concluded that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service was aware of indications Chinese officials were contemplating action directed at Canadian MPs, but did not identify negligence at the highest political levels.

The report said intelligence about Chinese officials seeking information on Conservative MP Michael Chong didn’t reach the prime minister, the public safety minister or Chong himself until after it was leaked and reported by media.

Thomas said the memo was sent to three deputy ministers across government but effectively went into a “black hole” and wasn’t shared with the appropriate people.

At the time, CSIS intended to provide Chong and a second unnamed MP with a briefing, Johnston’s report said. Chong said that he did receive a briefing but it did not include any details about a threat to his family.

Thomas said the memo about Chong was sent to the Privy Council Office in July 2021 and was provided to her predecessor David Morrison in August, but she wouldn’t say why it wasn’t shared with the prime minister, Chong or other relevant people at the time.