Release of CSIS 2018 Public Report

Ottawa, Ontario (June 21, 2019) - The Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), David Vigneault, issued the following statement regarding the CSIS 2018 Public Report released today:

“I am pleased to release the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Public Report for 2018, providing the Canadian public with a view of our priorities, our challenges, and an explanation of our areas of responsibility.

The people of CSIS serve their country extremely well, and they take their responsibility to protect Canada very much to heart, carrying out their duties in the knowledge that they are making us a safer country.

The trust and confidence of Canadians in CSIS is fundamental to our legitimacy, operational effectiveness, and institutional credibility. While certain information must remain protected, reporting publicly and providing an enhanced view of our priorities, our people, and our areas of responsibility, is essential to maintaining that trust with the public.

At CSIS, accountability is at the centre of everything we do, and our compliance with the laws of Canada is paramount. Ensuring that CSIS employees have an updated legal framework and tools in place to carry out their mission continues to be an essential priority. This ensures that CSIS can provide timely and relevant intelligence to government and our partners, enhancing our national security and interests in a complex global environment.

CSIS, as an organization, continues to evolve but one core objective remains: to keep Canadians safe. As we approach our 35th anniversary, I reflect regularly on where we have been, and where we are going as an organization. CSIS is committed to fulfilling our mission, and we will continue to do so in a manner that reflects this great country’s values, and the trust that Canadians have placed in us.

I encourage all Canadians to view our newly released report.”