Ottawa, ON – Dane Lloyd, Conservative National Security Advisor, sent the following letter to the Minister of Public Safety, Gary Anandasangaree, calling on him to explain how a Canadian arrested on charges of espionage at NATO military headquarters could have been cleared to work in such a sensitive position, and demanding action to prevent this from ever happening again:
Dear Minister Anandasangaree,
Together with millions of Canadians, I was extremely concerned to learn that a Canadian at NATO’s military headquarters was arrested on charges of espionage and participation in a criminal organization.
According to reports, the woman had previously worked at both Statistics Canada and, more concerningly, the Canadian Space Agency. That this individual was ultimately apprehended by Belgian law enforcement is an embarrassment for our country.
For the sake of Canadians and our NATO allies, I am calling on you to explain how this individual was cleared by the Government of Canada to work in such a sensitive position, and what measures you are taking to ensure this never happens again.
As a founding member, NATO has been at the core of our foreign policy for generations. This arrest has serious implications for Canada’s reputation abroad.
We need to work with our allies and partners to keep Canadians safe in a dangerous and ever-changing world. That starts with earning their trust.
I look forward to your response.