I'll comment further when I get home, and can read the full post, but the short answer is that CSIS can do either counter-Int or Int, but not both. It has been given the counter-Int role, so if we are to compete abroad, we need our own Int agency: MI 5 vs MI 6.
Cheers
JMH
I am reminded of the film The President's Analyst, in which James Coburn is abducted by Canadian spies. His response is simply "Canadian spies?"
Posted at 2006-02-06 13:13:58 [PermaLink]I take your points, but if the question is should we have a foreign intelligence service or should we have a strengthened CSIS? The answer is yes. We have to do both, and the separation of foreign and domestic intelligence gathering can protect Canadian citizens on the one hand, and liberate foreign intelligence on the other. You mentioned that Canada doesn't have the guts to do it, well I'm sorry, but we're going to have to get the guts. This is the real world and Canada, like it or not, has interests that should be vigorously pursued. As to intelligence 'embarrassments', So what? Every intelligence agency has them, but that doesn't negate the value of the 99.5% of the other stuff gathered. Your point about Canada can't act upon information gathered, may or may not be true, but what if there is some that we may act upon? And as for the rest, what's wrong with either selling/comparing intelligence with other agencies? Such a check could have meant a more accurate assessment of Iraq. Canada has a tremendous resource in its multi-ethnic population, there's no reason that a Canadian intelligence service couldn't build on that advantage to secure very useful info. Do we still need SIGINT, yes. Do we need foreign HUMINT, yes. Do we need counter-intel, yes. The problem is not what niche we should choose, but what can we afford not to do.
Posted at 2006-02-07 01:25:12 [PermaLink]The thrust of Mark's comments suggests physical threats to Canada/Canadians are the primary concern. I'd argue that the economic threats, and having insight into the inner-workings of less-than-friendly foreign gov'ts, are of equal concern. One could argue that's the job of our Foreign Affairs people, but if so, are they prepared to get their hands dirty getting the information needed to guide our Govt's policies?
I'm just guessing here, but odds are they don't want to offend their host governments by covertly collecting information of a sensitive nature.
The current dustup over China's industrial espionage (in Canada) is a great example of why we need better resources.
in my opinion, Canada should strengthen itself in its military and intelligence services. we are a pround nation except when it comes to the image of our own defence. i hear canadian citizens mocking our own military capabilities often. we are a great economic power with a model of democracy to brag about. why not show off our rippled chest and chissled abs if we have them. Canada should spread its wings and fly into the future. I am a MA Int.pol. student and i plan on dedicating my life to the nation and state of Canada. I absolutely feel that Canada should begin to play a larger role in internaional affairs, and yes this requires a Foreign Intel Agency.
Posted at 2007-03-04 16:24:54 [PermaLink]