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Spy agency uncovers ‘serious breaches’

Michel Columbe (left), Head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service(CSIS)and John Forster (right), Chief of Communications Security Establishment Canada(CSEC)prepare to appear before the Senate National Security and Defence committee in Ottawa, Monday February 3, 2014.
Michel Columbe (left), Head of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service(CSIS)and John Forster (right), Chief of Communications Security Establishment Canada(CSEC)prepare to appear before the Senate National Security and Defence committee in Ottawa, Monday February 3, 2014. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Chartrand

OTTAWA – Opposition MP’s say Canada’s eavesdropping agency isn’t being open enough with Canadians.

They point to Communications Security Establishment Canada‘s admission of an internal misuse of public assets.

The agency, known as CSEC, says information from a whistleblower uncovered not only the misuse of public assets but “serious breaches” of the spy outfit’s values and ethics code.

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CSEC says it has revised policy, improved training and boosted oversight, but isn’t giving any more details.

It will only say the findings are not related to national security information or the privacy of Canadians.

Opposition MP’s say CSEC should be more forthcoming, especially given recent criticism of spy agencies due to leaks by former American intelligence contractor Edward Snowden.

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New Democrat Jack Harris says CSEC’s latest response shows an unwillingness to be up-front with the public.

He says it’s unlikely to inspire public trust.

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