As Nathalie Drouin prepares to take on her new role as ambassador to France and Monaco on March 23rd, questions are being raised about the responsibilities of her successor as Canada's national security and intelligence advisor. Prime Minister Mark Carney recently announced that David Morrison, currently the deputy minister of foreign affairs, would be taking on the role in addition to becoming his senior diplomatic and international affairs advisor and G7/G20 representative.
The Privy Council Office (PCO) has yet to clarify Morrison's specific duties, leaving some to wonder whether he will maintain key responsibilities such as serving as secretary to the national security council or leading the development of a new national security strategy. PCO spokesman Pierre-Alain Bujold stated that Morrison will "ensure close collaboration with international partners". Dominic Rochon, the current chief information officer of Canada, will become deputy secretary to the cabinet for national security and intelligence. According to Bujold, Rochon will be responsible for ensuring Canada's security and intelligence strategies are resilient and capable of meeting security requirements, as well as handling domestic security issues.
Some experts are expressing concern over the changes. Vincent Rigby, a professor at McGill University and former national security advisor, noted the apparent disappearance of the NSIA position in the initial announcement. Concerns have been raised about breaking up a key role at the center of the federal bureaucracy. Jody Thomas, who served as NSIA under former Prime Minister Trudeau, believes the position was in need of restructuring. Thomas stated that she cares more about the function of the role, which she believes is still present.
It remains to be seen how Morrison and Rochon will divide the responsibilities previously held by a single national security advisor. The PCO's promise of increased focus on national and international security suggests the government recognizes the importance of these roles in a changing global landscape. Whether mandate letters will be issued to Morrison and Rochon clarifying their expectations remains uncertain.
