There are two types of threat reduction measures, meaning two ways the Canadian Security Intelligence Service can inform someone about a threat to their safety or to national security.
I do not have to approve the service’s decision to meet with anyone, unless the context is deemed to be very high risk, based on four very specific criteria. I do not know if, in Mr. Chong’s case, the risk was considered high. I did not have to approve that process.
In certain cases, my approval is requested, but only when the risk is considered to be high.