QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Canadian Security Intelligence Service
March 21, 2023
My question is for the proud Government Representative in the Senate.
Leader, The Globe and Mail recently published an open letter from an employee of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS, who identified himself as the newspaper’s source, justifying why he had shared the information with The Globe and Mail, after the Canadian authorities failed to take the necessary measures to counter Chinese interference, even though he implored them to do so. Apparently, the government knew about this interference, but did nothing.
Leader, can you confirm when the Prime Minister was briefed by CSIS agents?
I can’t answer your question. I can’t answer for an anonymous source, despite the fact that it was published in The Globe and Mail. The processes the government has put in place to address the situation you described are appropriate to answer these questions.
Leader, an old sage in provincial politics in Quebec once said that in politics, if you can’t be trusted, you’re toast. With that in mind, before the Prime Minister becomes burnt toast, don’t you think it’s time he created a public commission of inquiry?
The Prime Minister has put in place processes that he has deemed appropriate. He has appointed the Right Honourable David Johnston to examine the matter and provide advice. The government believes this is the appropriate process under the circumstances.
