Espionage and Foreign Interference
Espionage
Canada’s national and economic security continue to be threatened by espionage and foreign-influenced
activity. CSIS’s counter-intelligence activities are aimed at investigating such threats and reporting on them
to the Canadian government and law enforcement agencies.
In their quest for political and military intelligence, foreign intelligence services constantly attempt to
infiltrate key Canadian government departments. Increasing global economic competition is leading many governments—both
those representing traditionally “hostile” countries as well as those from countries considered “friendly”
to Canada—to shift the focus of their intelligence collection from traditional political and military matters to
the illicit acquisition of economic and technological information. Such information can include trade and pricing
information, investment strategies, contract details, supplier lists, planning documents, research and development
data, technical specifications and drawings, as well as computer databases.
Economic espionage—defined as illegal, clandestine, or coercive activity by foreign governments in order to
gain unauthorized access to economic intelligence, such as proprietary information or technology, for economic
advantage—costs the economy billions of dollars each year. Because Canada is a world leader in many
technology-intensive fields (including aerospace, biotechnology, chemicals, communications, information
technology, mining and metallurgy, in addition to nuclear, oil and gas, and environmental technologies), Canadian
companies have been targeted by foreign governments to obtain economic or commercial advantages. The damage to
Canadian interests results in lost contracts, jobs and markets, and a diminished competitive advantage.
While espionage can occur on Canadian territory, Canadian businesspeople travelling abroad may also be
vulnerable. A foreign government can operate more easily and with greater impunity within its own borders, making
hotel rooms, restaurants, offices, and telecommunications systems vulnerable to espionage activities.
Back
to top
Foreign Interference
CSIS also investigates threats posed by foreign-influenced activities including transnational criminal
activity, cyber-related attacks, and activities directed against Canada’s expatriate communities.
Expatriate communities in wealthy countries such as Canada are often well-organized and well-funded, making
them attractive targets for foreign governments and dissident groups. Certain countries use methods of coercion
and manipulation that threaten Canada’s national interests. In investigating these activities, CSIS strives to
send the message that targeting Canadian citizens is unacceptable.
|