Security screening mostly ‘unimpeachable’ but ‘there are gaps’: Anandasangaree

OTTAWA — Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged gaps in Canada’s security screening process today after confirming a Canadian charged with espionage was given a security clearance.

Anandasangaree today told MPs on the House of Commons national security committee the Canadian NATO intern charged with espionage in Belgium was given a security clearance by Global Affairs Canada.

Opposition committee members pressed the minister to explain how the espionage suspect was able to get security clearance despite a 2023 fraud conviction.

Anandasangaree said deputy department heads are responsible for granting security clearances, which can be based on information provided by CSIS and the RCMP.