Mr. Chair and members of the committee, good afternoon.
My name is Newton Shortliffe. I am the assistant director, collection, at the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, meaning I'm responsible for all the regions and the collection of intelligence.
I'm joined by my colleague Sarah Estabrooks, director general of policy and foreign relations.
I'm pleased to join you here today to speak on behalf of the service on this topic, and I look forward to addressing your questions.
As a partner of Global Affairs Canada, CSIS is an integral contributor to the successful delivery of the Indo-Pacific strategy. The strategy rightfully acknowledges that enhanced engagement in the region must include measures to safeguard Canada's economic security, our democratic institutions and our population. Through the fulfillment of its national security mandate, CSIS is committed to the protection of Canada and Canadians while also helping the Government of Canada meet its foreign policy objectives.
CSIS is actively engaged in countering the breadth of complex threats to Canada emanating from the Indo-Pacific region, including in the form of foreign interference, espionage, cyber-enabled threats, disinformation and misinformation. Through our investigations and intelligence analysis, CSIS supports Government of Canada decision-making in relation to these threats.
CSIS is also working to strengthen its relationships with regional partners and traditional allies. This enables Canada to engage more effectively and securely in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Indo-Pacific region is vast, the threat is complex and the opportunities are limitless. Canada must be aligned with key partners to advance its ambitious regional agenda. The service contributes to this by leveraging its intelligence partnerships. When synchronized with other Government of Canada efforts, these additional channels of communication and coordination can have a force multiplier effect in the protection of Canadians and Canadian interests.
CSIS focuses primarily on promoting peace, resilience and security. However, the information and intelligence available to us may determine what measures are taken under the five objectives set out in the strategy.
While there are some limits on the level of detail I can discuss today, I will be pleased to take your questions.
Thank you.