Overview
- Smith told the legislature she has begun the process to obtain a higher security clearance so CSIS can brief her on possible foreign interference in the province.
- CSIS said it has expanded its ability to share threat information with provincial governments but declined to comment on Smith’s clearance or any specific briefings.
- Opposition NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi urged that she be denied access, citing concerns about her judgment and a Saudi trip where she accepted state-provided travel and accommodations.
- Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis and Justice Minister Mickey Amery said they are not applying for CSIS clearance, and Ellis noted a secure area must be built in the legislature to host classified briefings.
- Alberta is planning an intelligence unit within the Alberta Sheriffs, with former Edmonton police chief Dale McPhee assisting, as the province prepares for the Oct. 19 vote and separatists seek roughly 178,000 signatures to add a secession question; CSIS’s director has previously warned of possible meddling.