Intrepid Bi-Weekly Briefing #8
3 February 2020
Meng’s Extradition Trial and Odd Protestors
More than a year after she was initially arrested, Meng Wanzhou’s extradition trial began in Vancouver on January 20. On the first day of Meng’s trial, at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, numerous protestors could be seen holding signs in favour of Meng’s release. At first glance, the protestors do not look out of the ordinary. However, a closer examination of prompted many questions. First, the signs were almost identical. The signs were all similar colours with the same messaging and identical handwriting. Most commonly, the signs read “Free Ms. Meng, Equal Justice”. The protesters refused to answer questions. Further investigations revealed that the ‘protesters’ had initially been told they were going to be extras in a movie production. From various accounts, people were paid between $100 and $150 for holding signs at the courthouse. The origin of the ‘protest’ remains unclear.
U.K. and Huawei
On January 28, the U.K. announced that Huawei would be allowed to help build 5G networks. Although there are restrictions to Huawei’s involvement, this decision has global implications. In May 2019, the U.S. stated that Huawei would not be able to partake in its 5G infrastructure. The U.K.’s decision has been viewed negatively by many within the U.S. Canada is still deciding whether or not to allow Huawei, however, the U.K.’s middle of the way approach may serve as a model for Canada’s ultimate decision.
Facial Recognition Software Causes Debate
On January 18, Kashmir Hill reported in the New York Times about a company called Clearview A.I. using social media platforms (i.e. Facebook, Instagram etc.) to create a database with people’s images. This database is then used by law enforcement agencies who can quickly compare an image using Clearview’s database. In an interview with Matt Galloway on CBC’s The Current, Hill spoke about Clearview and its relevance to Canada. Currently, it is unclear if any Canadian law enforcement agencies are using Clearview’s technology, although some agencies (Toronto Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police) did admit to using facial recognition software. Privacy advocates warn that this use of facial recognition software could impact people’s privacy. Clearview’s facial recognition software is so advanced that even when faces are altered or covered, identities are still recognizable.
Right-Wing Extremism Research Continues
Information about how CSIS and the RCMP deal with right wing extremist threats was obtained through an Access to Information Act request. An article, published on January 27, details how an April 2019 briefing prepared for deputy ministers by CSIS and the RCMP discussed Canada’s posture in dealing with right wing-extremist threats. It raised questions about whether the Canadian government was prepared to deal with new emerging threats. One of the questions in the briefing asks, “Are terms like ‘right wing extremism’ or ‘far right’ accurate?”. Further, the briefing examined how the RCMP could create new initiatives to better understand how right-wing extremism manifests in Canadian communities.
Updates:
Cameron Ortis Faces New Charges
On January 27, the Public Prosecution Services of Canada announced that Cameron Ortis would be facing three new charges. Ortis was originally charged in September (five charges under the Security of Information act and two charges under the Criminal Code of Canada). He now faces three additional charges under the Security of Information Act. These new charges allege that Ortis communicated or attempted to communicate special operation information. As a result of Ortis’ arrest the RCMP launched two internal investigations to review processes and procedures related to internal security protocols.
New Details Emerge about Patrik Mathews Arrest
Ryan Thorpe, the reporter who published ‘Homegrown Hate’, exposing Patrik Mathews as a member of a ring wing extremist group known as “The Base”, recently published another article detailing new information about Mathews’ arrest by the FBI. On January 16, Patrik Mathews was arrested alongside Brian Mark Lemley Jr. and William Garfield Bilbrough by the FBI. The three men were allegedly planning attacks. In a video, Mathews is recorded saying, “We can’t let Virginia go to waste, we just can’t … Virginia will be our day”. Judge Sullivan, the US judge who heard arguments on bail, very dangerous individual’
New National Security Advisor
Prime Minister Trudeau appointed Vincent Ruby as the new National Security and Intelligence Adviser. He has held positions at the Department of National Defence, Public Safety Canada, the Privy Council Office and Global Affairs Canada. He takes over from David Morrison who served in the position temporarily after Greta Bossenmaier announced her retirement late last year.