Ex-RCMP intelligence official convicted in secrets case has been granted day parole

Cameron Jay Ortis, a former RCMP intelligence official, has been granted day parole after being convicted of breaching Canada's secrets law. He was found guilty in November 2023 and sentenced to 14 years in prison, having already served seven years and 155 days. Day parole allows Ortis to participate in community-based activities during the day while returning to a designated location in the evening.

The Parole Board of Canada approved the parole with specific conditions, including a ban on communicating with known criminals, restrictions on internet usage, and regular reporting of financial transactions. Ortis, 54, led an RCMP group that assembled secret information on cybercriminals, terror cells, and transnational criminal networks.

Born and raised in British Columbia, Ortis holds a PhD in political science and international relations. At his trial, it was revealed that he offered classified material to targets in an attempt to get them to use an online encryption service for intelligence purposes. The Crown argued he had no authority to disclose the classified material and no valid motive.

Ortis is appealing his conviction and sentence, while the Crown is appealing the length of his sentence. The parole board concluded that his risk of reoffending can be safely managed, noting that his actions were specific to his past employment and unlikely to recur. Ortis plans to take part in an online technology program to prepare for a specialized position in the electrical field.