Canadian Security Intelligence Service
www.csis.gc.ca
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.
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.
