intelligence

Saturday April 6, 2024

Canadian inquiries into foreign interference highlight the challenge of maintaining transparency without aiding adversaries, emphasizing the importance of careful oversight and accountability in protecting democratic processes.

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Saturday April 6, 2024

Striking the Delicate Balance: Transparency in Addressing Foreign Interference

As Canada delves into an inquiry on foreign interference, the parallels between Pierre Poilievre and Donald Trump, including their mutual distrust of institutions, the media, and their overblown characterization of opponents as criminals, raise questions about their impact on the political landscape as the elections approach.

January 30, 2024

In the ongoing struggle against foreign interference in our democratic processes, transparency plays a pivotal role. It serves as a beacon of accountability, empowering citizens and holding authorities accountable for safeguarding the integrity of our elections. However, as we navigate the complexities of shining a light on past lapses in security while guarding against providing aid to adversaries, the delicate balance between transparency and national security becomes ever more apparent.

Recent inquiries into foreign interference have shed light on the vulnerabilities within our systems. Testimonies have exposed instances where our defences have been breached, revealing potential areas for improvement. This transparency is crucial in fostering public trust and ensuring that corrective actions are taken to fortify our democratic infrastructure.

News: Intelligence watchdog completes report on Chinese interference allegations, sends it to PM

September 13, 2023

Yet, the spectre of foreign adversaries looms large, watching closely as our vulnerabilities are laid bare. These adversaries are adept at exploiting weaknesses, refining their strategies, and adapting to circumvent our defences. As such, the challenge lies in striking a balance between transparency and protecting classified information that could be used against us.

It’s understandable to harbour concerns about the potential for political parties to manipulate transparency efforts for their own gain. Skepticism is rife, and rightfully so, given the high stakes involved. However, we must resist the temptation to allow skepticism to overshadow the imperative of transparency. Instead, we must hold our political leaders accountable, ensuring that transparency efforts serve the greater good rather than partisan interests.

June 2, 2023

To achieve this delicate balance, we must adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, transparency efforts must be guided by a commitment to national security, with stringent protocols in place to safeguard classified information. Additionally, mechanisms for independent oversight and review should be established to ensure that transparency initiatives remain impartial and free from political interference.

Analysis: Canada’s adversaries will be watching foreign interference inquiry, warns commissioner

Furthermore, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability within our political system is essential. Political parties must demonstrate a genuine commitment to addressing foreign interference, prioritizing the integrity of our electoral processes over short-term political gains. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders, transcending partisan divides and placing the interests of our democracy above all else.

March 24, 2023

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s decision to call for an investigation into allegations of foreign interference underscores the seriousness with which our government approaches this issue. His actions demonstrate a commitment to upholding the integrity of our electoral processes and safeguarding Canadian democracy.

Ultimately, the path forward requires a delicate balancing act, navigating the tension between transparency and national security with nuance and prudence. By striking this balance, we can shine a light on past lapses in security while safeguarding against providing aid to foreign adversaries. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy, ensuring that the voices of the people remain paramount in the face of external threats. 

 

Friday May 5, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Friday May 5, 2023

Chong’s Family Targeted by Chinese Operative: Trudeau Government Plays Dumb

April 15, 2023

April 15, 2023

In ancient Rome, Nero famously fiddled while the city burned. In modern-day Canada, it seems that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is similarly preoccupied with distractions while a critical issue simmers. Specifically, the issue of foreign interference from China has been bubbling up for months, and yet the Trudeau government has repeatedly failed to act decisively.

The latest scandal involves the targeting of MP Michael Chong’s family by a Chinese operative, allegedly in retaliation for Chong’s vote in support of deeming China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority as a genocide. This behavior is repugnant and underscores the need for Canada to take a strong stand against foreign interference.

News: Joly weighs Chinese retaliation  

February 25, 2023

What is truly shocking, however, is that the Trudeau government failed to pass on this critical information to Chong or even the Prime Minister himself. The fact that the Chinese operative remained accredited in the Toronto consulate for two years after being identified as the source of the threat is downright inexplicable.

Trudeau’s response to the situation has been lackluster, with his statements contradicting those of his chief of staff and failing to take decisive action. It was only after the scandal hit the headlines that the government announced it would summon China’s ambassador to Canada to protest the alleged intimidation of Chong and his family.

Expelling a diplomat is not a decision to be taken lightly, but the Trudeau government’s ongoing failure to address the issue of foreign interference suggests that stronger action is needed. The fact that the two Michaels were being held as political prisoners in Beijing when this scandal came to light underscores the severity of the issue.

March 9, 2023

MP Chong has every right to be upset and is calling for the operative to be declared persona non grata immediately. It is time for the Trudeau government to stop deflecting, downplaying, and obfuscating and take a strong stand against foreign interference.

David Johnston’s upcoming report on the need for a public inquiry into foreign interference is a step in the right direction, but it is increasingly clear that action needs to be taken now. Nero fiddled while Rome burned, but Canada cannot afford to do the same. It’s time for the Trudeau government to wake up and take action to protect our democracy. (AI)

 

Wednesday April 12, 2023

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday April 12, 2023

GOP Caught in Pro-Putin Romance: Leaked Pentagon Docs Reveal Embarrassing Bedfellows

The recent leak of top-secret Pentagon information related to the Ukraine war has sent shockwaves through the U.S. government and its allies. As the Pentagon scrambles to assess the scope of the leak and assure allies, there are concerns that the information revealed could potentially be embarrassing to Democrats and President Joe Biden. However, it is not just U.S. adversaries who may find glee in this leak, but also pro-Putin Republicans who have been supportive of Russia’s aggression and have advocated for policies that align with Russian interests.

February 24, 2023

There has been little media coverage of the pro-Putin rally that took place on February 19, 2023, or the growing number of Republicans and influential politicians who have expressed support for Putin and anti-support for Ukraine. This is a concerning development as it marks a departure from the historical stance of the Republican Party, which has traditionally been known for its support of U.S. national security interests and democracy promotion globally. Former Republican Presidents such as Dwight Eisenhower and Ronald Reagan have championed American values and stood against Russian aggression, but many within the GOP have taken a different turn in recent years.

The pro-Putin sentiments among Republicans are evident in the statements and actions of influential figures such as Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson of Fox News, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, and Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, among others. These individuals have either held or sought political office and have openly expressed support for Russia’s aggressive actions. Social media platforms like Parler, Rumble, Gab, and Odysee have also been used to spread Russian disinformation, with some members of the GOP House Freedom Caucus and conservative media figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon promoting baseless claims that bolster the Kremlin’s aggression, according to think tanks that track disinformation propaganda.

Meet the pro-Putin Republicans and conservatives 

March 1, 2022

The leak of Pentagon information on Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and assessments of international support for Ukraine, along with other sensitive topics, presents a serious risk to national security, as stated by the Pentagon itself. It is yet to be authenticated by U.S. officials, but the potential impact of the leak is a cause for concern. The leaked information includes assessments of when Putin might use nuclear weapons, which could be embarrassing for Democrats and Biden’s administration if it reveals any missteps or vulnerabilities in their approach to Russia.

It is worth noting that the leak of classified information comes at a time when the U.S. and its allies are dealing with increased Russian aggression, including Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. While all living former U.S. presidents, except for Donald Trump, have condemned Putin’s actions, there are pro-Putin Republicans who have taken a different stance. This highlights a concerning trend within the GOP, which has shifted away from its historical support for U.S. national security interests and democracy promotion globally.

The implications of the leaked Pentagon information and the pro-Putin sentiments among some Republicans are significant. It raises questions about the trustworthiness of the U.S. in sharing information with its allies and the impact on Ukraine’s plans to intensify its fight against Russia. It also highlights the need for all patriotic Americans to uphold Reagan’s peace through strength message against Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea, as stated by the Wall Street Journal. Failure to do so could result in dire consequences for the country and the world at large.

Pentagon leak: Spring offensive downplayed and other key takeaways 

In conclusion, the leak of top-secret Pentagon information related to the Ukraine war has potential implications that go beyond national security concerns. Pro-Putin Republicans who have expressed support for Russia’s aggression may find glee in any embarrassing revelations for Democrats and Biden’s administration. This trend among some Republicans is concerning and marks a departure from the party’s historical stance on U.S. (AI)

 

Thursday January 30, 2020

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Thursday January 30, 2020

U.K.’s plan to deal with Huawei 5G provides an uncertain course for Canada to consider

By cautiously allowing Huawei into only select parts of its 5G cellular networks, Britain is charting its own course in cybersecurity, while seeking to appease both China and the U.S.

December 12, 2018

But the unique nature of the British strategy means it is untested and could yet prove impossible to carry out.

And as Canada moves closer to its own decision on whether to allow the Chinese telecom manufacturer into this country’s 5G systems, Britain’s plan will serve as an example to either follow or avoid.

“They are putting together a policy for themselves which, on paper, is logical,” said Catherine Rosenberg, the Canada research chair in future internet at the University of Waterloo. “But is it going to work the way they want? It’s unclear.”

The U.K.’s announcement on Tuesday amounts to letting Huawei halfway in the system.

Identified as a “high-risk vendor” by British officials, the Shenzhen-based telco will only be allowed to provide equipment used in the outer layer of Britain’s 5G networks, such as transmission facilities. Huawei gear will be banned from the brains of the operation, known as the core components.

January 29, 2019

With current 4G technology, only the core equipment processes user information. The outer tier — known as the edge — beams cellular data between devices.

But here’s where it gets complicated — and potentially cumbersome for Britain. Higher-speed 5G is designed to cut down on latency by integrating some processing functions on the edge of the network, effectively blurring the line between core and edge.

Rosenberg said U.K. mobile networks could indeed choose to only purchase Huawei equipment to perform transmission functions in 5G networks.

But she questioned whether the plan would achieve its intended goal. The next-generation cellular technology is “more and more software-oriented” and “edge-based,” said Rosenberg, who also holds the Cisco research chair in 5G systems.

In vehicle terms, it’s like banning a certain manufacturer’s parts from being used in a car’s engine, only to buy tires from the same company. And with 5G, it’s as if engine parts are now being installed in the wheels.

June 17, 2017

The U.S. has long contended that China could access Huawei’s technology to spy on — or even shut down — foreign telecommunication services. China has always denied these claims.

The fifth-generation technology raises the stakes, as it’s not only expected to provide higher speeds on new 5G-enabled smartphones and other communication devices, it’s also set to form the basis for a deeper presence of the internet in everyday life. A 5G-enabled “internet of things” is meant to allow for more smart devices, self-driving vehicles, as well as tech-based solutions in health care and beyond.

Despite 5G’s projected ubiquity, the thinking behind Britain’s plan is this: if Huawei doesn’t supply core system components, then it won’t have access to sensitive data. But from country to country, the perception of the technological reality of 5G seems to vary based on political considerations. (Source: CBC) 

 

Wednesday June 21, 2017

Editorial Cartoon by Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Wednesday June 21, 2017

Liberals to create ‘super’ national security review body as part of anti-terror law overhaul

August 19, 2016

The Liberal government is creating a new “super” civilian watchdog to review security and intelligence agencies across government as part of a legislative overhaul of Canada’s anti-terrorism regime.

Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale tabled the bill in the House of Commons today, and said it aims to strike a better balance between strengthening security and safeguarding charter and privacy rights.

“Governments have no greater responsibilities than keeping their citizens safe and safeguarding their rights and freedoms,” he said. “These are the fundamental obligations that underpin the new national security legislation.”

February 21, 2015

Goodale said “unprecedented” public consultations helped shape the new legislation. While there were some stark differences of opinion, there was a broad consensus among Canadians that the security regime must be accountable, transparent and effective, while safeguarding personal rights, he said.

Goodale said the new expert review body, called the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency, will have jurisdiction right across the government, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), as well as every other department and agency that has a security or intelligence function.

A senior government official, speaking on background, said the body will also oversee security functions of the RCMP, and be able to “follow the thread” when issues cross over into various agencies. (Source: CBC News) 

SaveSave