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2mo ago

Watchdog Criticizes Former Adviser’s 2022 Halt of CSIS Operation

The NSIRA report recommends requiring written ministerial approval for suspending active operations to prevent future risks to agents.

David Vigneault, Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), prepares to appear before the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs (PROC), studying the intimidation campaign against Members of Parliament, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
A sign for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service building is shown in Ottawa, Tuesday, May 14, 2013.

Overview

  • The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency released its findings on May 30, 2025, after probing the suspension of a CSIS operation in 2022.
  • NSIRA determined the pause was initiated without authorization by either the CSIS director or the public safety minister and lacked any written record.
  • The report states that the unsanctioned suspension exposed CSIS officers to unnecessary danger and damaged Canada’s reputation abroad.
  • Former national security adviser Jody Thomas maintained she was relaying inquiries from Global Affairs and Public Safety rather than ordering the halt.
  • NSIRA recommends that any decision to modify active CSIS operations originate as a written directive from the public safety minister and that briefing protocols be strengthened.