Parliamentary Review of Foreign Intelligence Begins

A parliamentary security panel composed of MPs and senators is reviewing the effectiveness of Canada’s overseas intelligence collection. The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians announced the investigation in a short statement in June, though its secretariat declined to share details on the timeframe, scope, or chair Darren Fisher.

Current Agencies and Legal Limits

Under existing mandates, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) gathers foreign intelligence strictly within Canadian borders and is limited to collecting security threat data abroad. Cyber intelligence overseas is gathered electronically by the Communications Security Establishment, while Global Affairs Canada contributes diplomatic reporting and the military collects defence intelligence.

According to a CSIS memo from last year, Canada’s demand for foreign intelligence could expand in an uncertain geopolitical climate. The memo noted that “Canada can only learn and act so much through its current collection and authorities, and has historically relied on allied partnerships for certain foreign intelligence reporting.”

National Strategy and Historical Debate

Proposals for a dedicated foreign intelligence agency have been considered since the end of the Second World War. Stephen Harper’s Conservatives pledged to build a foreign spy service in 2006 to collect intelligence overseas, though the agency was never established. Former ministerial adviser Goran Samuel Pesic noted that past governments hesitated due to advice from public servants and overall costs, arguing that “[t]o be an independent country, we must possess the tools of statecraft.”

The current committee review coincides with preparations by the Carney government to introduce the country’s first national security strategy in over twenty years. Briefing notes prepared in February for Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree state the strategy will prioritize autonomy, resilience, and economic security to help the country adapt to international changes.

Findlay Steps Down Amid Caucus Friction

Kerry-Lynne Findlay announced her resignation as leader of the Conservative Party of British Columbia on Sunday afternoon, Sept. 20. Her departure comes fewer than four months after she was chosen to lead the party on May 30, 2026.

In a statement posted to social media, Findlay indicated that internal disputes hindered the party’s focus. “Instead, from the outset, too much of our time and attention has been consumed by internal conflict,” she said. “Energy that should have been directed toward challenging the NDP, advancing our principles, and preparing to form government has instead been spent fighting amongst ourselves.”

Wave of Departures Precedes Announcement

The decision follows weeks of turmoil within the party caucus. On Sunday, Surrey Serpentine MLA Linda Hepner resigned from the caucus, marking the tenth MLA to quit under Findlay’s tenure. In addition to these resignations, Findlay removed three MLAs from caucus on Friday, Sept. 18: Claire Ratté (Skeena), John Rustad (Nechako-Lakes), and Trevor Halford (Surrey White Rock). In total, 13 sitting MLAs have left the caucus since August.

Some of the MLAs who departed joined together to form a centrist movement, ultimately aligning with Centre B.C. on Friday.

Upcoming By-Election and Next Steps

Despite stepping down from the leadership, Findlay confirmed she will remain the Conservative candidate in the Abbotsford-Mission by-election scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, where advance voting opened on Friday. Former MLA Reann Gasper had resigned her seat in late August to allow Findlay to run.

Reflecting on her decision, Findlay noted that leadership requires recognizing when to step aside. “I have made decisions I would make differently with the benefit of hindsight. I have listened. I have reflected. And I take responsibility for the decisions that were mine to make,” she stated. The party has not yet announced an interim leader.

Community Leaders Gather for Annual Peace Celebration

West Kelowna will play host to an afternoon focused on personal and collective harmony as the fourth annual Peace Ambassador Community Celebration convenes on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., takes place in the Orchard Conference Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2569 Dobbin Road.

Presided over by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the gathering features a panel discussion designed to highlight how peace functions within the local region. Featured speakers include Chaplain Don Richmond of West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club, Professor Manik Dhir of Okanagan College, shadow finance MLA Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Dr. Arvind Ravindran, who serves as Country Coordinator for Heartfulness Institute Canada, and Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief for Black Press Media’s B.C. Interior Division and Yukon.

Invest in Peace Focuses on Individual Experience

Organizers stated in a press release that the central theme, “Invest in Peace,” emphasizes that peace can be cultivated individually and shared across the community. The initiative provides an inclusive space for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect and foster harmony across the Central Okanagan.

Beyond general discussions, attendees will participate in reflection and meditation techniques. The press release noted: “The program will move beyond conversation to personal experience, introducing participants to the heartfulness approach to inner peace, reflection and meditation, based on the belief that lasting community peace begins with the individual.”

Admission to the celebration is free, and attendees can reserve their seats in advance through Eventbrite.