Canada is an outlier in the Western world in not having a separate foreign intelligence devoted to HUMINT. The conversation sometimes comes up that maybe we should create one – but where and how? Borealis looks at what Canada should do in this regard.
Every major Western power has a foreign intelligence service that collects information on the intents and capabilities of foreign states. Except Canada. We do allow CSIS to collect FI as it is called, but in a very constrained way – why?
Read mentioned article: I, spy: Does Canada need a foreign intelligence service?
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2 replies on “Yes, Canada needs a foreign intelligence service, but does it want one?”
Phil, There a bunch of people who think they want one. The real question is whether we are mature enough as a country to actually support one. The answer in my view is no. Continuing with a service that does both with respect to threats to the security of Canada is the best result. Ward Elcock
Agreed Ward! Thanks for weighing in – hope you are well my friend!