Is CSIS allowed to investigate protest groups?
CSIS is is mandated to investigate individuals or groups that may pose a threat to the security of Canada. As defined in section 2 of the CSIS Act, threats include espionage or sabotage, foreign-influenced activities or activities in support of terrorism. Section 2 specifically bars CSIS from investigating “lawful advocacy, protest or dissent,”unless it is carried out in conjunction with one of the threat-related activities defined in the Act.
