Directive on Security Screening

Ensures that security screening in the Government of Canada is conducted in a way that is effective, rigorous, consistent and fair, and enables greater transferability of security screening between departments.
Date modified: 2025-01-07

Supporting tools

Directive:

Mandatory procedures:

More information

Policy:

Terminology:

Topic:

Hierarchy
View complete hierarchy

Archives

This directive replaces:

View all inactive instruments
Print-friendly XML

Appendix F: Mandatory Procedures for Security Screening Decisions and Notifications

F.1 Effective date

  • F.1.1These procedures take effect on January 6, 2025.

F.2 Procedures

  • F.2.1These procedures provide details on the requirements set out in subsections 4.1.1.1.3 and 4.6.1 of the Directive on Security Screening.
  • F.2.2Mandatory procedures are as follows:

    Decision to grant

    • F.2.2.1Consider a decision to grant when the collective evaluation of the security screening results of an individual indicates:
      1. There is no credible evidence that casts doubt on the reliability of an individual and, as applicable, their loyalty to Canada; and
      2. Adverse information that is uncovered during security screening has been addressed; and
    • F.2.2.2Render a decision to grant a security status or clearance at the time the security screening is processed;

    Notification of a decision to grant

    • F.2.2.3Notify the individual of the decision to grant a security status or clearance through a security briefing;

    Decision to grant with conditions

    • F.2.2.4Do not grant with conditions as a substitute to security screen individuals at the level required by the position;
    • F.2.2.5Consider a decision to grant with conditions only when:
      1. The conditions are deemed sufficient to mitigate the security risk of granting; and
      2. There is a demonstrated need to engage the individual;
    • F.2.2.6Impose conditions that formally detail restrictions attached to the granting of a security status or clearance, including:
      • F.2.2.6.1Limits on the access to information and assets, including IT systems and facilities that are necessary to perform the assigned duties;
      • F.2.2.6.2Where one or more of the following conditions applies:
        1. Do not grant access to classified information from a foreign government without the written consent of that foreign government, subject to the provisions of any information-sharing agreements;
        2. Do not grant access to classified information from other departments without consultation with those departments; or
        3. The security status or clearance granted to the individual is not transferable to any other duty or position in the department or to any other department;
      • F.2.2.6.3As required:
        • F.2.2.6.3.1Supplemental monitoring and reporting requirements to provide added assurance of the ongoing reliability or loyalty of the individual to Canada;
        • F.2.2.6.3.2Limit the access of the individual to information and assets, including IT systems and facilities, to during designated working hours only; or
        • F.2.2.6.3.3Setting other reasonable conditions that are necessary to effectively manage departmental or Government of Canada security risks; and
    • F.2.2.7Reassess security conditions annually, at a minimum;

    Notification of a decision to grant with conditions

    • F.2.2.8Notify the individual of the decision to grant a security status or clearance with conditions through a security briefing, including the nature of the conditions;
    • F.2.2.9Obtain acknowledgement from the individual of their security responsibilities, including the nature of the conditions; and
    • F.2.2.10Retain a record of the decision and acknowledgement in their security screening file;

    Decision to suspend pending an investigation

    • F.2.2.11Consider a decision to suspend a security status or clearance where:
      1. An investigation is pending;
      2. Information suggests that the continued presence of the individual may reasonably pose a security risk to others, the department or the Government of Canada; and
        1. Alternate work arrangements are insufficient to address the security risk; or
        2. The continued presence of an individual could undermine or impede the investigation;
    • F.2.2.12Prior to rendering a decision to suspend a security status or clearance:
      • F.2.2.12.1For an employee:
        • F.2.2.12.1.1 Consult with human resources management to ensure that the employer’s labour relations obligations are considered and addressed; and
      • F.2.2.12.2For a contractor or other individual:
        • F.2.2.12.2.1 Inform the contracting authority before informing the contractor;

    Notification of a decision to suspend

    • F.2.2.13Inform the individual in writing of the action to be taken, including the following:
      1. The decision to suspend the security status or clearance pending an investigation;
      2. The reasons the security status or clearance is being suspended;
      3. Any circumstances or contributing factors that were taken into consideration in reaching this decision;
      4. The manner and time frame in which the suspension will be administered; and
      5. The manner in which the individual may exercise the opportunity to respond to or challenge the action;

    Decision to reinstate following a suspension

    • F.2.2.14If a security status or clearance has been suspended for cause:
      • F.2.2.14.1During the course of an investigation, consider the possibility of reinstatement:
        1. When new facts or circumstances are identified; and
        2. Within a reasonable period of time and periodically throughout the suspension;
      • F.2.2.14.2Render a decision to reinstate or revoke based on:
        1. Findings and recommendations from the investigation; and
        2. The updated risk to the department or Government of Canada;

    Notification of a decision to reinstate following a suspension

    • F.2.2.15Notify the employee of the decision to reinstate a security status or clearance, through a security briefing;

    Decision to deny

    • F.2.2.16Consider a decision to deny when there is credible evidence that casts doubt as to an individual’s:
      1. Reliability and, as applicable, loyalty to Canada;
      2. Ability to be trusted to safeguard sensitive information and assets, including IT systems and facilities;
    • F.2.2.17Inform the deputy head of a decision to deny a security clearance within five days after the decision is made;

    Decision to revoke

    • F.2.2.18Consider a decision to revoke:
      • F.2.2.18.1Following an update, upgrade or a review for cause of the security status or clearance previously granted to an individual;
      • F.2.2.18.2When there is credible evidence that casts doubt as to an individual’s:
        1. Reliability and, as applicable, loyalty to Canada; and
        2. Ability to be trusted to safeguard sensitive information and assets, including IT systems and facilities;
    • F.2.2.19Prior to rendering a decision to revoke:
      • F.2.2.19.1Consider the availability and feasibility of alternative options, including downgrading the status or clearance of an individual;
      • F.2.2.19.2For an employee:
        • F.2.2.19.2.1 Consult with human resources management to ensure that the employer’s labour relations obligations are considered and addressed;
      • F.2.2.19.3For a contractor or other individual:
        • F.2.2.19.3.1 Inform the contracting authority before informing the contractor; and
      • F.2.2.19.4Consult the deputy head in the event of a dispute as to the appropriate action to be taken;
    • F.2.2.20Following a decision to revoke:
      • F.2.2.20.1Prior to informing the individual, ensure that measures are taken to prevent the individual from accessing sensitive information and assets, including IT systems and facilities;
      • F.2.2.20.2Inform the deputy head of a decision to revoke a security clearance within five days after the decision is made;
      • F.2.2.20.3For a contractor, inform the contracting authority before the contractor; and
      • F.2.2.20.4Notify CSIS via form CSIS 4160 Notification of Change in Security Clearance;

    Notification of a decision to deny or revoke

    • F.2.2.21Notify the individual of a decision to deny or revoke their security status or clearance:
      • F.2.2.21.1Within 10 days after the decision is made;
      • F.2.2.21.2In writing from the chief security officer or the deputy head;
      • F.2.2.21.3Include the reasons for the decision and the information on which the decision is based:
        • F.2.2.21.3.1 Exclude information that cannot be disclosed:
          1. Under the Privacy Act;
          2. For reasons of national security; or
          3. Under other federal legislation;
      • F.2.2.21.4Inform the individual of their rights of review or redress.
    • F.2.2.22Following notification of the individual, inform CSIS of the decision to deny or revoke a security clearance.

"Page details"

Date modified: