RCMP says relationships with allies 'strong' after report FBI stopped co-operation following CBC 9/11 memo
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme has stated that Canada's security relationship with the U.S. remains strong despite reports that the FBI temporarily halted cooperation. The friction reportedly stemmed from an internal CBC memo regarding the terminology used to describe the 9/11 attacks.
Why it matters
This highlights the diplomatic and operational tensions that can arise between intelligence allies when media policies conflict with national security sensitivities.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme was responding to a report from the New York Times on Friday alleging Patel temporarily halted some co-operation with the Mounties in retaliation to a leaked CBC internal memo instructing reporters to not refer to the Sept. 11 attacks as terrorist attacks ahead of the 25th anniversary.
CBC has a longstanding policy to generally avoid labelling specific acts as terrorism without attribution.
In a statement, the RCMP said it cannot speak to the intelligence-sharing practices of other law enforcement agencies, but the commissioner stressed that the relationship continues.
"We value our relationship with our U.S. counterparts, as we work closely to respond to threats to national security and maintain situational awareness of emerging risks," said Duheme in a statement.
"We maintain strong relationships with Canada's security and intelligence community and work closely with domestic and international partners, including members of the Five Eyes community."
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