Karina Gould on Questions on the Order Paper

In the House of Commons on January 27th, 2020. See this statement in context.

Question No. 204Questions on the Order PaperRoutine Proceedings

January 27th, 2020 / 3:45 p.m.

Burlington Ontario

Liberal

Karina Gould LiberalMinister of International Development

Mr. Speaker, the following reflects a consolidated response approved on behalf of Global Affairs Canada ministers.

With regard to part (a), all Canadian-based staff, CBS, and there are approximately 1,304 at our missions abroad, have a top secret clearance. All locally engaged staff, LES, and there are approximately 3,986, have a reliability status.

Global Affairs Canada does not grant confidential security clearances.

All staff requiring clearances are compliant with Global Affairs Canada security requirements. Persons without security status require escort.

With regard to part (b), all CBS and LES have the clearances necessary to perform their duties. Top secret clearance is the minimum for CBS, while LES are cleared at the reliability status level. Some LES may qualify for and be granted a secret clearance, but only under exceptional circumstances.

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