Canada must weigh creation of new spy service with ‘eyes wide open,’ study warns

A new study warns Canadian politicians to approach the creation of a new spy service with caution and a thorough understanding of the complex reality of espionage. The paper, authored by former Canadian intelligence officials Alan Barnes and Geoff St. John, emphasizes that espionage is a highly misunderstood and dangerous profession, often portrayed inaccurately in popular culture.

The study, published on the website of the Policy Insights Forum, aims to shed light on the actual workings of espionage and the numerous factors politicians must consider before establishing a foreign spy agency.

Barnes and St. John highlight that the romanticized notions of espionage, popularized by fictional characters like James Bond, are largely fictional and misleading. They note that creating a spy agency based on these fictional portrayals would be unrealistic and ineffective. True espionage involves covert, hostile acts to gather information that is difficult to obtain through other means, and such actions are illegal in the country where the agents operate.

The authors stress that Canada already possesses various intelligence-gathering capabilities, including the Communications Security Establishment, Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, and the military. These organizations contribute foreign intelligence in different ways, and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service can gather intelligence within Canada about security threats like terrorism and espionage.

The study questions the necessity of a separate Canadian espionage agency, urging policymakers to first determine specific needs for such an agency and then evaluate the practical aspects of establishing it. The authors acknowledge that a Canadian espionage agency might only produce a few hundred reports annually, focusing on narrow areas of Canadian interest, rather than covering all areas of interest.

Furthermore, the exposure of Canadian espionage operations could lead to diplomatic, political, and economic repercussions, potentially straining Canada's relationships with friendly countries.

The authors also warn that any foreign agents spying for Canada would face significant risks, including lengthy prison sentences, torture, and execution, should they be caught. Canadian agents operating under non-official cover, such as in the guise of a business, would face even greater dangers. The authors conclude by urging a careful and evidence-based approach to the creation of a new Canadian espionage agency, considering the realities of the profession and the potential consequences for Canada's international relations.