Canada considers security clearance registry to bolster screening

David Morrison, a senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser to the Prime Minister, has proposed the creation of a government-wide registry for security clearance information. Speaking to a House of Commons committee, Morrison stated that such a registry would improve efficiency, reduce duplication, and assist departments in identifying existing personnel security data.

The proposal comes as the Commons public safety and national security committee conducts hearings on the national security screening process. These hearings follow the arrest of a Canadian NATO intern in Belgium on espionage allegations.

Federal sources indicate the suspect is believed to be Biwei Zhang, also known as Claire Zhang, a former employee of Canadian government agencies. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree previously noted that Zhang had received a security clearance from Global Affairs Canada, despite 2023 court records indicating the Public Service Commission had found her guilty of fraud during an appointment process for the Canada Border Services Agency.