Canada-China Relations committee  The specific set of circumstances you're talking about—the infiltration and the potential recruitment or espionage activities of the PRC or others vis-à-vis the science-led research of the federal government—is not just because of the Winnipeg lab issue, but because of other case

Canada-China Relations committee  One of the elements I've talked about is the work of this committee and the work that we've been doing with Public Safety, ISED and specifically CSIS to make sure that we talk about these issues. It's very important, because it's only through the knowledge of ourselves and other

Canada-China Relations committee  Unfortunately, I will not be able to speak about our ongoing investigations.

Canada-China Relations committee  The government policy is quite clear that it's the deputy head of any organization who has the authority to grant and revoke a clearance based on the security advice the deputy head receives. I mentioned last week that the Treasury Board Secretariat, which was in charge of that p

Canada-China Relations committee  If I understand the question, if someone allowed a person to do work that required clearance without that person having clearance, that would be a serious violation of policy. I would say this would be, of course, of real concern.

Canada-China Relations committee  I think the question is absolutely legitimate. However, as I said, CSIS is not in the business of running the lab. That is why we went to them with our concerns about national security in 2018 and to share with them our expertise. This is our job. We share with them our expertise

Canada-China Relations committee  The documents I think provide a level of clarity about this. In my testimony last week and this week, I spoke to the fact that we went to the Public Health Agency and the lab to share with them our concern about an insider threat specifically about the type of environment they're

Canada-China Relations committee  Thank you for the question. As the minister mentioned, if we were to look back to 30 years ago, we would see that there were prospects and opportunities in China as well as optimism that might have led us to believe China might join the global economic system and eventually move

Canada-China Relations committee  The minister is right. For the specific details, I think PHAC is better placed to answer. What I would say at the more strategic level is that the approach of the thousand talents program, the approach of the economic espionage of the PRC, is to acquire material, know-how and da

Canada-China Relations committee  CSIS has been working with PHAC on these issues for a few years now. If there were any individuals engaged in any way who represented national security issues, I would be working with PHAC to make sure they have the information to take the proper measures. I cannot confirm the s

Canada-China Relations committee  Yes, I continue to hold the belief that it was a very expeditious process. In August 2018, when we first engaged with PHAC to give them an insider threat briefing, they raised a concern with CSIS about the two scientists. That led us to share some information and some advice wit

Canada-China Relations committee  Thank you, Minister. In my testimony last week, I provided some key dates for the engagement between CSIS and PHAC that led to PHAC hiring a private company to do the investigation. I think that sequencing has been provided to the committee.

Canada-China Relations committee  I welcome the opportunity. I will work with my colleagues and endeavour to provide some of our thoughts and potentially even bold advice to the committee.

Canada-China Relations committee  Yes, the authority is indeed through the president or the deputy head. It's the same for revocation.

Canada-China Relations committee  I'll be very transparent with the member: This is not an issue we at CSIS have looked at. I have not personally looked at the capacity the way you referred to it, Mr. Chong. In answering Mr. Bergeron's question, I mentioned we have already connected and engaged with the Saskat