CSIS Frustrated by Delay in Minister’s Approval of Wiretap on Ontario Politician: Former Official

Representatives from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, including interim director Vanessa Lloyd and former director David Vigneault, appear at the Foreign Interference Commission in Ottawa, on Sept. 27, 2024. From left: Bo Basler, Nicole Giles, Vanessa Lloyd, David Vigneault, Michelle Tessier and Cherie Henderson. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

It took six weeks for then-Public Safety Minister Bill Blair to approve a Canadian Security Intelligence Service request for electronic surveillance of an Ontario politician, leading to frustration within CSIS, the Foreign Interference Commission has learned.

Officials from CSIS testified on the matter before the Foreign Interference Commission on Sept. 27, saying the delay was unusual.