The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) has raised new concerns about the growing interest of Chinese and Russian spies in Canada’s Arctic resources and the people working to develop the region. CSIS director Dan Rogers said during a national security address that foreign states are actively collecting intelligence from both government institutions and the private sector operating across the Arctic.
China and Russia Expanding Their Strategic Footprint
According to Rogers, several non-Arctic nations, particularly China, are attempting to secure economic and strategic influence in the region. He added that Russia, which already has a major military presence in the Arctic, continues to behave in ways that are aggressive and unpredictable, raising additional security concerns for Canada.
CSIS Strengthening Partnerships in the North
Rogers said CSIS has been working closely with Indigenous communities, territorial leaders, and other northern partners to improve awareness around evolving security threats. The agency has shared intelligence with Inuit organizations and local governments to help them evaluate risks connected to foreign investments, joint research projects, and commercial collaborations.
Heightened Threats Amid Global Shifts
After more than a year as CSIS director, Rogers warned that Canada faces a complex landscape of espionage, foreign interference, violent extremism, and transnational repression. These challenges come at a time when relations with the United States, Canada’s most important security ally, are under scrutiny due to shifting political priorities.
Despite this, he stressed that the intelligence-sharing partnership with the U.S. remains strong and mutually beneficial.
Sharing Intelligence with the U.S.
When asked whether CSIS is assisting the U.S. with intelligence for its maritime strikes against suspected drug traffickers, Rogers explained that any information sharing is conducted case-by-case, in line with Canadian laws and human rights protections.
Data Vulnerabilities and Emerging Risks
Rogers highlighted that more and more Canadian data is being stored by foreign companies and governments, creating new opportunities for hostile states to manipulate information or use it against Canadian interests. He noted that foreign espionage no longer focuses solely on military and government secrets — private companies and academic institutions holding advanced technology are now major targets.
Spying and Recruitment Attempts
According to Rogers, Chinese intelligence services have tried to recruit Canadians with access to confidential military or government information using social media platforms and online job portals. CSIS, along with partner agencies, has developed new tools over the past year to detect and block these attempts.
Countering Russian Intelligence Activities
Rogers also revealed that CSIS has helped uncover Russian intelligence officers, prevent their travel to Canada, and stop attempts to use courier services and transport networks for sabotage. In several cases, CSIS informed Canadian companies that buyers posing as European firms were actually connected to Russian operatives.
These businesses acted quickly, cancelling deals and collaborating with CSIS to prevent future intrusion attempts.
Crackdown on Transnational Repression
Rogers condemned efforts by foreign governments to intimidate individuals in Canada through surveillance, threats, extortion, and disinformation campaigns. In particular, CSIS recently strengthened its operations to counter Iranian intelligence activities, preventing multiple potentially deadly attacks on people residing in Canada.
Rising Extremism and Youth Radicalization
Another alarming trend, Rogers said, is the increase in online radicalization, fueled by global conflict, societal division, and political polarization. Many individuals who turn to violence are influenced solely through online spaces, with no direct contact from organized extremist groups.
Shockingly, nearly 10% of current CSIS terrorism cases involve individuals under 18 years old. Although extremism no longer makes up the majority of CSIS’s workload, Rogers confirmed it remains a major security priority.
