By Thomas Jarmyn and Andrew House

Thomas Jarmyn is a member of the Law Society of Ontario and advises clients regarding matters involving accountability legislation and political risk. Andrew House is Co-Leader of Fasken’s National Security Group and served as Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Public Safety from 2010 to 2015.

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A sign for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service building is shown in Ottawa, Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press.

Viewpoint

What happens to those who leak classified information? Sometimes nothing

Leaking can be a perilous exercise, both for the leaker and the country. But punishment is not a certain thing. Experience teaches that even if an applicable law has been broken, catching a leaker can be an exercise in futility.

Thomas Jarmyn and Andrew House - April 19, 2023