Canada’s intelligence sharing shortcomings exposed in Johnston report

Johnston said in the report that Canada's security services often address intelligence reports to departments rather than individuals.

Special rapporteur David Johnston found in his first report on foreign interference that Canada’s public safety minister does not have access to top-secret emails that national security officials use to share intelligence — including regarding potential threats against MPs.

It was just one example of glaring information-sharing problems within the government that Johnston said must be addressed.

The former governor general found that the Canadian Security Intelligence Service was aware of indications Chinese officials were contemplating action directed at Chinese-Canadian MPs and their family members abroad.

There is no intelligence indicating Beijing took steps to threaten the family of Conservative MP Michael Chong specifically, the report said, in response to allegations at the heart of the recent controversy.

But there was intelligence that indicated Chinese officials were seeking information about Chong and his relatives, Johnston said.

The materials he used to come to that conclusion are classified and not being shared publicly.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initially said the information never left the security agencies involved, but his national security adviser Jody Thomas later confirmed that it reached her predecessor’s office.

At the time, CSIS said it intended to provide Chong and a second unnamed MP with a briefing, Johnston’s report said. Chong later said that a briefing at the time did not include any details about a threat to his family.