Public Safety

Question period dealt with the case of a Canadian-linked spy arrested in Belgium who had worked at NATO and previously obtained a Canadian security clearance. The Conservatives said Canada failed to catch the person despite a Public Service Commission finding of fraud in a past CBSA application, accused the minister of covering up the failure, and asked him to identify which country the spy worked for. The minister, Gary Anandasangaree, said he shared the member’s outrage, that Canadian agencies are co-operating with Belgium’s ongoing investigation, and that it would be inappropriate to comment further or draw conclusions while the investigation is active.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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2 statements

Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

Liberal
“I share the member's anger. Our police and security agencies work with partners around the world to stop threats, like the recent arrest in Belgium. Because this is an active investigation, we should not guess about the details. We will keep working to protect Canadians.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I share the member opposite’s outrage in this regard. Canada’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies maintain strong partnerships with their domestic and international counterparts to identify, investigate and respond to threats, including incidents such as the arrest made in Belgium. This is an active investigation. It would be inappropriate of me and the member opposite to speculate. We will continue to work to protect Canadians and Canadian interests with our partners at home and abroad.

Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety

Liberal
“Belgium is investigating this matter, and Canadian police and security officials are helping them. We should not jump to conclusions before the investigation is done.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, it is obvious that the member opposite does not understand how due process works. The Belgian officials are currently investigating this matter. We are co-operating in every way we can, including the RCMP and CSIS. It would be inappropriate for the House to opine and come to conclusions without the full benefit of all the facts that are available.

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