A Canadian HUMINT Foreign Intelligence Service:
The Key Questions
Dates
October 6, 2025
Length of Course
3 hours
Delivery Method
Online
Cost
$425 CAD
Series discount: $1,400
Summary
Whether Canada needs a HUMINT foreign intelligence service is a debate of long-standing. The origins of the question go back to the end of World War Two. The issue raises its head in times of crisis (9/11; Afghanistan), and it has done so again as Canada faces a threatening geopolitical environment and the rise of an unreliable and aggressive United States. What would be the value-added of a Canadian HUMINT service? How might it be created? What would its mission be? These are the key questions under consideration.
This masterclass is offered as part of the National Security Masterclass Series 2025/2.Â
Masterclass Series
The Balsillie Executive Institute is continuing its innovative series of national security masterclasses. Key topical issues reflect a changing national and global security environment and the threats and challenges facing Canada.
Each masterclass features an intensive, fast-paced analysis of the issues, led by Dr. Wesley Wark. The key learning objective of the masterclass is to equip students with a critical understanding of the policy challenges involved for each topic.
The masterclasses will be delivered online and run over a three-hour period from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET on select days. Masterclasses can be taken individually or as a complete series at a discounted rate.
Instructor
Wesley Wark is an expert on national security and intelligence issues, in both a Canadian and international context.
He is a fellow of the Balsillie School of International Affairs, a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto/Munk School of Global Affairs, and a senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, in Waterloo, where he co-directed a major project on Canadian National Security Strategy.
Format
Intensive, three-hour class divided into key topic components.
Audience
Government of Canada officials, at all levels wishing a better understanding of the issues.
Of particular relevance for officials in the core and extended Canadian national security and intelligence community. Core includes CSIS, CSE, RCMP, DND/CAF, GAC, PCO, CBSA, Public Safety.
Note: Registration is restricted to currently serving Government of Canada officials. Participants who do not meet this criterion may be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.