Thread by @MercedesGlobal

Now a few thoughts on MPs and national security (thread) #cdnpoli

For a long time Canada had no Parl oversight on national security file. MPs did not have the serious security clearances that were needed. This put us offside from how allies do things and created serious issues regarding transparency and accountability in a democracy #cdnpoli

Those who advocated for more security intelligence oversight said a committee of Parliamentarians was key - being able to ask questions and monitor key issues. Detractors said it's a bad idea because MPs aren't used to dealing with sensitive information #cdnpoli

There were concerns that MPs would exploit the committee for partisan gain, leaking sensitive or classified material to embarrass the govt or make a point #cdnpoli #natsec

Others voiced concern that the MPs even with best intentions would be targets ripe for exploitation with no training in what to look for from foreign agents/crime and could unintentionally put themselves or info into a compromising situation #cdnpoli #natsec

Once they were open for blackmail due to some kind of indiscretion, the foreign power or entity would move in for the kill demanding information. #cdnpoli #natsec

We don't know who or what is behind the @TonyclementCPC case, we don't know if there has been any kind of national security breach. All I can confirm is that there was a demand for 50,000 Euros. #cdnpoli #natsec

But it highlights qs about how committee members are being trained. Are they? I don't know. Has anyone sat down with these guys and girls and explained what a honey trap is? The most classic and still one of the most effective ego play intel tactics out there? #cdnpoli #natsec

Honey traps are still used all the time BECAUSE THEY WORK. #cdnpoli #natsec

When Canadian troops were dispatched to Latvia they were warned if some very attractive lady or gentleman in the bar seemed quite interested in them, be wary, it could very well be a Russian honey trap #cdnpoli #natsec

The Clement case could be simple cyber crime and extortion, because of the committee he sits on we have to ask questions about what information MPs on that committee are being given and how much of a briefing they've gotten from intel experts #cdnpoli #natsec

And perhaps the answer is they've been trained up and down and people still do dumb things. Certainly full blown spies and head of ahem certain intelligence services have done dumb things... but it begs the question. #cdnpoli #natsec

I cannot imagine the govt considering disbanding the committee for a second, but it does give ammo to those who preferred to operate without additional oversight who argued MPs were clueless and a risk #cdnpoli #natsec