Frequently Asked Questions by Department
Government of Canada, Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Does CSIS have any foreign presence at all? What constitutes a threat to the security of Canada? What is “security intelligence” and does the government really need it given that technology allows news broadcasters to deliver information from around the world in a matter of minutes? What is the difference between a security intelligence service and a foreign intelligence service?
Q:	Does CSIS have any foreign presence at all?
A:	CSIS has liaison offices in some countries. Liaison officers are involved in the exchange of security intelligence information which concerns threats to the security of Canada.
Q:	What constitutes a threat to the security of Canada?
A:	The complete threat definitions can be found in section 2 (a,b,c,d) of the CSIS Act. Simply put, terrorism (the planning or use of politically-motivated serious violence) and espionage (undeclared foreign intelligence activity in Canada and detrimental to the interests of Canada) are the two major threats which CSIS investigates. Terrorism and espionage can have criminal implications. In such cases, the RCMP investigates and can lay the appropriate criminal charges.
Q:	What is “security intelligence” and does the government really need it given that technology allows news broadcasters to deliver information from around the world in a matter of minutes?
A:	Security intelligence is information formulated to assist government decision makers in developing policy. Regardless of the source of intelligence, it provides value in addition to what can be found in other government reports or in news stories. Intelligence conveys the story behind the story.
Q:	What is the difference between a security intelligence service and a foreign intelligence service?
A:	A security intelligence service is restricted to investigating threats to its country's national security. A foreign intelligence service, on the other hand, conducts offensive operations for its government in foreign countries. The methods and objectives of foreign intelligence services differ from country to country.