History of CSIS

The Creation of Canada's Civilian Security Intelligence Service

The CSIS crest

Description

The crest rests on a background of pale silver surrounded by a blue palisade, edged with gold; a red maple leaf is centred in the palisade. The Royal Crown sits atop the crest.

Significance

The blue and gold tinctures provide the historical links with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police which, prior to the creation of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service on 16 July 1984, was responsible for security intelligence activities throughout Canada. The style of palisade alludes to a structure used as a defensive measure and, in this instance with its four larger points, draws attention to the major areas of security operations for which the Service has been given responsibility under the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act. The maple leaf on the white field may be traced to the flag of Canada where the maple leaf is described as being on a Canadian pale.