Security and Intelligence

The Security and Intelligence (S&I) Secretariat is one of two secretariats that provide support to the National Security Advisor (NSA) to the Prime Minister. The other is the International Assessment Staff (IAS).

The Security and Intelligence Secretariat's key functions include:

• Advising on national security
• Working with federal departments and agencies to coordinate efforts across the security and intelligence community; 
• Supporting Cabinet on the management of national security and intelligence issues and activities; 
• Coordinating government-wide responses to emergencies
• Providing advice and support to ministers on specific national-security and intelligence issues.

The secretariat provides support and secretariat services to the Cabinet Committee for Foreign Affairs and Security (FAS). The secretariat works closely with the Foreign Affairs and Defence Policy Secretariat (FDP) on any foreign-policy issues that come before the Committee.

The Security and Intelligence Secretariat strives to maintain and strengthen Canada's relationships with allies on security and intelligence issues, including the management of the Canada-U.S. border. It also coordinates and monitors the implementation of the security component of the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

The secretariat's other roles include:

• Coordinating and overseeing security arrangements for the Prime Minister, the Governor General and Cabinet;
• Advising departments and agencies on internal security issues
• Coordinating security for the parliamentary precinct.

In addition, the Secretariat provides support to the Advisory Council on National Security (ACNS). The Council provides confidential expert advice to the Government through the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister on issues related to national security.

Key Links

Securing an Open Society: One Year Later: Progress Report on the Implementation of Canada's National Security Policy [ PDF 256 KB ]

The Canadian Security and Intelligence Community: Helping keep Canada and Canadians Safe and Secure (The document is currently under review)

Advisory Council on National Security

Memoranda to Cabinet (Templates)

Further Reading

The Role and Structure of the Privy Council Office (November 2008)

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