Why does Poilivre Not Have Security Clearance?

Key takeaways:

• Pierre Poilievre is the only major federal party leader without top-secret security clearance. He has repeatedly refused briefings that would help him understand threats like foreign interference.

  
  

• His choice limits his ability to respond to national security risks. Experts say it’s dangerous for a leader who wants to be Prime Minister to ignore briefings meant to protect Canada’s democracy.

  
  

• Most Canadians — including many Conservative voters — think leaders should get security clearance. This isn’t just about politics, it’s about being prepared to lead and keep the country safe.

All federal party leaders in Canada are encouraged to get a top-secret security clearance. It’s not just a formality — it allows leaders to access classified briefings about threats to national security, including foreign interference. The Liberal, NDP, Bloc, and Green party leaders have all obtained their clearances.

Pierre Poilievre has not.

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) offered Poilievre a modified briefing in late 2024 that wouldn’t require a full clearance. But his office turned it down. The reason? According to his spokesperson, the conditions would have prevented Poilievre from talking publicly about what he learned or taking action without government approval.

CSIS said the briefing was part of a “threat reduction measure.” It would have included information about possible foreign interference targeting Conservative politicians. But it wouldn’t have covered allegations raised by Prime Minister Trudeau about interference involving members of Poilievre’s party. Trudeau had earlier said intelligence services flagged several current and former Conservative politicians as being at high risk of foreign influence.

Poilievre argues that getting clearance would tie his hands — that he wouldn’t be able to criticize the government or speak freely about foreign threats. But former national security officials disagree. They say access to classified information helps party leaders understand the threats Canada faces.

Without it, they say, leaders are flying blind.

A recent survey by the Angus Reid Institute shows most Canadians agree.

Seven in ten think all party leaders should have a security clearance. That includes nearly half of Conservative voters. It’s also worth noting that Poilievre did hold a cabinet post under Stephen Harper, which likely required a previous level of clearance.

Wesley Wark, a national security expert, points out that Poilievre’s stance isn’t new. He also refused to review classified parts of a 2023 report on foreign interference. That decision has limited his ability to respond to future reports and allegations.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about political strategy. It’s about readiness to govern. Security briefings are not just red tape. They’re how party leaders — especially those who may soon form government — stay informed about the real threats facing the country.