News Release / Communiqué
New Funding For the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and The Communications Security Establishment

Ottawa, October 19, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Internet: http://www.securitepublique.gc.ca/index-eng.aspx
Check Against Delivery

Thank you for being here, ladies and gentlemen.

Today the Minister of Defence and I are here to announce significant new funding for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Communications Security Establishment-totaling $47 million. These funds are being provided immediately to increase the ability of these agencies to provide the government with timely and accurate security intelligence information and analysis to support our efforts here and abroad to combat terrorism.

Canada and countries around the world are adapting to deal with terrorist threats and new methods of operation.

We recognize that CSIS needs to continually adapt in order to do its job, and today I am pleased to announce that an additional $10 million will be provided immediately to allow CSIS to acquire the tools it needs. These funds will be used to upgrade special equipment and increase our investigative and analytical capacity.

So, by keeping our technology current, CSIS is better able to investigate terrorists who are taking advantage of new technology to evade detection.

This is just one of a series of measures Canada is taking to increase our capacity to fight terrorism. Last week I announced an additional $64 million dollars for the RCMP. The government also announced significant investments in stronger immigration measures and airport security.

And this week, we introduced tough, comprehensive anti-terrorist legislation.

The key objective of all these measures is early detection and disruption of terrorist plans. And the services both CSIS and CSE provide are absolutely crucial to this effort.

It is difficult to talk publicly about the operations of these two agencies. They work behind the scenes, out of the limelight, but their work is essential to the protection of the nation. I know that CSIS employees have been working around the clock, making an extraordinary effort since the attacks. And I want them to know that even if these efforts must be out of the public eye, that their contribution is very much appreciated by the government they serve. And it is appreciated by our allies, with whom Canada's reputation is well-established. Your hard work and professionalism and resourcefulness are the reasons Canada is recognized at home and around the world as a key partner in the fight against terrorism.

When I met with US Attorney General Ashcroft two weeks ago in Washington, he went well out of his way to thank Canada for the support CSIS and RCMP have provided since the September 11 attack. In fact, he said and I quote that before he could even ask, Canada was already cooperating to do those things they knew to be necessary in order for us to succeed.

CSIS has already made an important contribution to our understanding of the nature of this threat. Their investigative successes as well as their unique relationships with similar organizations around the world are, and will continue to be a vital link in Canada's future efforts to fight terrorism.

And this unique relationship, and those successes-- which have to go unrecognized publicly-- help protect Canada and Canadians. This in turn helps protect our American neighbours and allies. It plays a key role in keeping our borders secure, our values protected and our economy on track.

Thank you.

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