By Canadian Press

Ottawa improving how it handles intelligence: Trudeau’s national security adviser

Jun 1, 2023 | 8:54 AM

OTTAWA — The prime minister’s national security adviser says Ottawa needs to improve the way it manages intelligence, and officials are taking steps to address breakdowns in communication within government. 

Jody Thomas made the comments this morning at a meeting of a parliamentary committee that is investigating allegations that members of Parliament were targeted by foreign interference. 

Thomas said she wouldn’t speculate on the specifics of what took place before her tenure, after watchdog David Johnston found in a recent report that there were serious issues in the way the government handles confidential information. 

The former governor general’s first report found that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service was aware of indications Chinese officials were contemplating action directed at Canadian MPs, but did not identify negligence at the highest political levels.

The report said intelligence about Chinese officials seeking information about Conservative MP Michael Chong didn’t reach the prime minister, the public safety minister or Chong himself until after it was leaked publicly by media.

HIGHWAY HOTLINE

Icy roads and bare condition stretches across N.B. and M.L.

Dec 24, 2024

QB Trade

Maier moves: Riders trade for quarterback Jake Maier

Dec 23, 2024

Family fun

Massive snow shark lands on Prince Albert family's yard

Dec 20, 2024

Thomas says steps have been taken to ensure better information flow since her arrival to the national security advisor position in 2022, and more is now being done to ensure officials are aware of how to consume intelligence.   

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2023.

David Fraser, The Canadian Press