Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says there are gaps in Canada’s security screening process after a Canadian charged with espionage was given a security clearance.
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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged gaps in Canada’s security screening process after confirming that a Canadian charged with espionage was given a security clearance.
Anandasangaree told MPs on the House of Commons national security committee that a NATO intern in Belgium, charged with espionage, was granted a security clearance by Global Affairs Canada.
He said opposition committee members pressed him to explain how the espionage suspect was able to get security clearance despite a 2023 fraud conviction.
Anandasangaree said deputy department heads are responsible for granting security clearances and that the process can be based on information provided by CSIS and the RCMP. He said both agencies have submitted recommendations for reforms to his office and he is actively reviewing them.
Anandasangaree said he is not sure whether the espionage suspect still has a security clearance and deferred that question to Global Affairs Canada.
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