History of CSIS

CSIS Today

More than twenty years after its creation, CSIS is a vastly different organization from the one that existed in 1984. The transition from a law-enforcement model to one focussing on intelligence gathering and counter-terrorism was done in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Under the leadership of Ward Elcock, from 1994 to 2004, the Service matured into an experienced, highly disciplined and effective intelligence organization. It adjusted its priorities to meet evolving threats both in North America and abroad. A premium was placed on intelligence information sharing. CSIS now has relationships with more than 200 agencies worldwide.

Meanwhile, the CSIS Act has survived the test of time. Just as it was intended, the Act continues to assure the human rights of Canadians.

In November 2004, Jim Judd was appointed Director of CSIS, replacing Acting Director Dale Neufeld. In June 2009, Richard B. Fadden was appointed Director of CSIS.