National security screening system can be strengthened, senior adviser to Carney says

OTTAWA – A senior federal adviser says a government-wide registry of security clearance information would improve efficiency, reduce duplication and help departments identify where relevant personnel security data may already exist.

David Morrison, senior diplomatic and international affairs adviser to the prime minister, told MPs on a House of Commons committee such a registry would be one way to strengthen Canada’s national security screening process.

The Commons public safety and national security committee is holding hearings on the screening process following the arrest of a Canadian NATO intern on espionage allegations.

A federal source not authorized to speak publicly about the issue has said officials in Canada were proceeding on the basis the suspect is Biwei Zhang — also known as Claire Zhang — who was previously employed by Canadian government agencies.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree previously told the committee the woman arrested in Belgium had received a security clearance from Global Affairs Canada.

The clearance was granted even though court records said the federal Public Service Commission found in 2023 that Zhang committed fraud in an appointment process for a position with the Canada Border Services Agency. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 21, 2026.