Kinsman: Should the Canadian government spy on economic targets abroad and share that intelligence with Canadian corporations?

By: /
11 October, 2013
Jeremy Kinsman
By: Jeremy Kinsman
CIC Distinguished Fellow

No. There is no legal mandate for electronic interception of messages except for national and international security. Canadian electronic security activities desperately need parliamentary oversight. The argument I have always heard from whiny Canadian companies is that the “other guys are getting contracts by bribery and we’re just being boy scouts.” In fact, in a typical example I learned that “the other guys” made the sale because they were selling aircraft that were cheaper, more fuel efficient, and way more passenger-pleasing. Canada should seek to strengthen international law against such spying. However, sadly, our international influence has dropped out of sight.

Before you click away, we’d like to ask you for a favour … 

 

Open Canada is published by the Canadian International Council, but that’s only the beginning of what the CIC does. Through its research and live events hosted by its 18 branches across the country, the CIC is dedicated to engaging Canadians from all walks of life in an ongoing conversation about Canada’s place in the world.

By becoming a member, you’ll be joining a community of Canadians who seek to shape Canada’s role in the world, and you’ll help Open Canada continue to publish thoughtful and provocative reporting and analysis.

Join us