Economic disparities and competing national interests have created a market for political, military and technological intelligence. Foreign governments, through their intelligence services, still try to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information, the disclosure of which would be detrimental to the national interests of Canada. Ideology is no longer the major cause of disloyalty or unreliability among persons having access to classified material or sensitive locations. Nationalism, associated with ethnic, cultural and religious ties, can create insidious demands. Attempts have been made by foreign nationals or representatives of foreign governments to suborn members of homeland communities in Canada, especially individuals known to hold sensitive positions in government or private industry.
Information technology is a strategic asset essential to the future prosperity of all countries.
Canada is a world leader in the adoption and application of such technologies. Ensuring its security is a challenge for all departments and agencies of the government of Canada. The CSIS Act and the GSP are linked directly through the personnel screening program. Both describe the Service's responsibilities in the conduct of investigations for clearance and assessment purposes. In 1994, the GSP was amended to further define departmental responsibility with regard to the determination of applicant suitability for employment, while CSIS' responsibility was limited to the assessment of loyalty and reliability.