Canadian Intelligence for Corporations, recently obtained government documents show that major Canadian corporations successfully lobbied for laws granting them access to confidential intelligence collected by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).
Critics warn that this collaboration risks undermining civil liberties.
Corporate lobbying for intelligence sharing
Energy giant TC Energy urged former CSIS leadership to launch regular high-level intelligence briefings involving:
- CSIS
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Canada’s largest corporations
According to the documents, the company proposed the creation of a “Canadian Security Alliance Council” — a private network where businesses with $500M+ annual revenue could access sensitive, non-classified intelligence.
What the new law changed
Following industry pressure, the federal government passed legislation that:
- simplifies intelligence sharing beyond government agencies
- allows collaboration with private corporations
- expands security partnerships in critical sectors
Supporters argue this protects national infrastructure.
Opponents fear expanded surveillance powers and reduced transparency.
Key Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main lobbying actor | TC Energy |
| Requested change | Regular intelligence sharing with corporations |
| Claimed benefit | Increased infrastructure security |
| Main risk | Potential civil rights violations |
| Mechanism proposed | Canadian Security Alliance Council |
| Eligible corporations | Revenue ≥ $500M per year |
Canadian Intelligence for Corporations
Canada’s intelligence-industry collaboration is growing. Investigators call for strict oversight to ensure national security measures do not compromise democratic freedoms.