We didn't leave it completely behind, Ms. Blaney. Let me assure you first of all that each successive minister, I think, has taken important steps, and we will continue to take important steps to make sure that our national security establishment is robust and properly governed and subject to oversight, and that it is effective in providing for and protecting Canada's national interests.
First of all, when I was first made aware, you may recall that I sent a letter out in 2021 to all parliamentarians bringing to their attention issues that, frankly, CSIS had brought to my attention about foreign interference and particularly about the role of China. There was a 12-page letter that I tabled in Parliament and sent directly to all parliamentarians making sure that this issue was brought to their attention.
I was also advised by CSIS that there were a number of unnamed members of Parliament who could potentially be targeted. I asked CSIS at that time about the importance of providing those members of Parliament with enough information so they could be protected from the risk of being interfered with or being subject to interference.
They advised me that they were undertaking a number of defensive briefings. They did not tell me who they were briefing or what they were briefing them on. I did not receive that information.
I subsequently learned after the information appeared in The Global and Mail about Mr. Chong that CSIS had conducted a deep defensive briefing, but I understand that some of the information that was made public in The Globe and Mail was not shared with Mr. Chong, and that was wrong.
I also think it was very important that if there were threats against any members or their families that action had to be taken to make sure they were safe and protected.
In response to that, the then public safety minister, Mr. Mendicino, issued a ministerial directive to CSIS that all such information had to be shared.
Additionally, there were steps taken—