CSIS tracked intelligence flow across government in foreign interference leak probe

CSIS described the 'tireless efforts' in the memo prepared for staff who were keen for an update on the probe into unauthorized disclosures to the media. 

Canada’s spy service tracked the flow of its intelligence reports across government and studied how other agencies handled them as part of an investigation into leaks of classified information about foreign interference, a newly released memo shows.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service described the “tireless efforts” in the memo prepared for staff who were keen for an update on the probe into unauthorized disclosures to the media.

In the note, CSIS’s director general of internal security said the investigation would “contribute to improved 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 about the spy agency’s investigation.

The memo said CSIS’s internal security had “actively investigated” leaks of classified spy agency information and documents that led to a series of media articles beginning in November 2022.

The RCMP and Privy Council Office have also opened investigations.

As part of its efforts, CSIS audited the “extensive pathway” of the spy service’s finished intelligence products that routinely flow to people with security clearances at various government agencies.

“While we are unable to disclose 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.