Rows of chairs and desks stand empty inside the House of Commons chamber in Ottawa on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS
A new electronic petition before Parliament calls on the House of Commons to require all federal party leaders to obtain and keep top-secret security clearance. Supporters of the petition argue that party leaders must stay fully informed about threats facing the country in order to protect Canadians and defend democracy.
The petition states that national security risks continue to grow as global tensions rise and foreign interference becomes more complex. It argues that party leaders play a critical role in responding to these risks and should have access to the same sensitive information as government officials.
Focus on Refusal to Seek Clearance
The petition specifically points to Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, who has repeatedly refused to apply for top-secret clearance. According to the petition, this refusal “exposes Canada to avoidable national security risks.”
Poilievre has defended his position by saying that accepting clearance would limit his ability to speak openly. He has argued that he would not be able to criticize the government freely if he had access to classified information that he could not share publicly.
Who Launched the Petition
The petition lists Marc Hachey of Manotick, Ontario, as the person who started the initiative. Liberal Member of Parliament Bruce Fanjoy authorized the petition, allowing it to appear on the parliamentary website.
Canadians may continue to sign the petition until April 7, after which it will be presented in the House of Commons for formal consideration.
Intelligence Agencies Raise Concerns
The petition cites warnings from Canada’s intelligence service, noting that political parties, elected officials, and candidates face growing risks from foreign interference. It states, “Canada faces increasing national security risks in a complex and shifting geopolitical landscape.”
“In this context, it is in Canada’s national interest for every federal party leader to hold top-secret security clearance,” the petition adds.
Previous Government Advice
Federal officials advised the prime minister in 2024 that leaders of major opposition parties should receive regular classified briefings. These briefings would cover issues such as foreign interference, violent extremism, and international conflicts. Officials said party leaders would need top-secret clearance before attending such briefings.
Poilievre responded by calling the clearance process a “gag order,” saying it would prevent him from speaking publicly about important matters discussed behind closed doors.
A Conservative spokesperson later said the government already has ways to inform party leaders about issues that directly affect them without requiring full security clearance.
Other Leaders Have Accepted Clearance
Other federal party leaders have taken a different approach. In 2023, then–New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Party leader Elizabeth May completed the top-secret clearance process. They did so to review classified material connected to a report on foreign interference.
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet later obtained his own clearance.
Debate Likely to Continue
As the petition gathers signatures, it has reopened debate over how much information party leaders should access and how that access affects public accountability. Parliament now faces renewed pressure to decide whether national security concerns outweigh political objections.
