Intelligence, Security and Defense
Dates
June 15-25, 2026
Length of Course
4 days
Mon-Thu, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
Prerequisites
Statement of Interest
Delivery Method
Online
Cost
$1,850 CAD
Cost includes a non-refundable $50 registration fee
Instructors
Wesley Wark
Fellow, Balsillie School of International Affairs
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
This professional course examines the challenges facing the Canadian security and intelligence community at a time of rapid geopolitical change and tension. The threat environment confronting Canada, the organization of the S and I community, and its response capacity will be featured themes. Canada’s international partnerships and the role played by intelligence will also be explored.
Former course title: "Intelligence and National Security"
Course Summary
The core learning objective of the course is to deepen participants’ strategic understanding of the threat environment, and of the Canadian security and intelligence community’s efforts to understand and respond to a wide range of security challenges.
This professional course draws on the perspective of a leading policy expert, supported by a cohort of guests. There will be a variety of content delivery, including presentations by the instructor and guest experts, case studies, and small group and plenary discussion.
Registered students will be provided in advance with a detailed course agenda and schedule. Optional suggested readings will be provided to supplement the presentations and discussions.
The live online sessions will take place in the morning, 9am to 12pm ET, Monday through Thursday.
The language of instruction will be English. The course will utilise information in the public domain. All discussions will be held under the Chatham House rule.
Who Should Attend
This course is designed for officials and employees of the Government of Canada who:
- are currently serving in some capacity in the intelligence and security community who wish to deepen their understanding of the history of intelligence and current issues and challenges;
- have just accepted or just started a job in government in the intelligence and security community and need a rapid introduction;
- intend to seek a job in the intelligence and security community and want a fuller understanding of intelligence and security issues;
- work regularly with people in the intelligence and security community, or regularly use material from the community, and want a fuller understanding of the origin and nature of intelligence material.
Students who do not meet this criteria will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Covered in this Course
- Foundational concepts
- History of Canadian intelligence
- The threat environment
- CSIS and CSE outlooks
- Allied threat assessments
- Canada’s key security partnerships
- National security strategy
- S and I community key governance features
- Intelligence priorities
- Arctic security and defence intelligence
- Foreign intelligence needs and capabilities gaps
- Watching the watchers—the Canadian review system
To Register
Candidates will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Before registering, prospective candidates for the course are asked to send a brief statement of interest and a short bio detailing their career and educational background. This material should be sent electronically to: info@balsillieinstitute.ca.
Selected candidates, once confirmed, can then register by June 5, 2026. Payment is due one week prior to the start of the course.
Instructors
Wesley Wark
Fellow, Balsillie School of International Affairs
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation