RCMP investigating violations of security law in connection to leaks of foreign interference allegations

The RCMP says it has launched an investigation into violations of national security information law in connection to media leaks of Chinese foreign interference allegations.

The RCMP says it has launched an investigation into violations of national security information law in connection to media leaks of Chinese foreign interference allegations.

"The RCMP has initiated an investigation into violations of the Security of Information Act (SOIA) associated with recent media reports," said a spokesperson for the federal police force in a statement to CTV News on Monday.

"This investigation is not focused on any one security agency. As the RCMP is investigating these incidents, there will be no further comment on this matter at this time," said the RCMP's Robin Percival.

Formerly known as Canada's Official Secrets Act, the Security of Information Act outlines both the expectations around federal government employees’ legal obligations for protecting classified operational information, and the punishment for committing offences such as unauthorized disclosure of such information.

For example, all CSIS employees are permanently bound to secrecy when it comes to their access to classified information.

Last week, during committee testimony on the issue, CSIS Director David Vigneault told MPs that an investigation into the leaks was underway, by CSIS and its "partners" regarding the sources of the leaks, noting there are internal mechanisms for spy agency employees to express their concerns over how information is handled.

Vigneault's testimony came as part of an ongoing study into foreign interference, sparked by months of media reports, including those citing unnamed CSIS sources, alleging Chinese attempts to meddle in the 2019 and 2021 elections by targeting certain MPs.