The chief of the RCMP affirms that the national law enforcement agency upholds strong partnerships with its international allies, seemingly playing down claims that FBI Director Kash Patel aimed to retaliate against Canada over a CBC memo instructing how to describe the events of 9/11.
RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme reacted to a report from the New York Times alleging that Patel temporarily suspended some collaboration with the Mounties in response to a leaked CBC internal memo advising against labeling the 9/11 attacks as terrorist acts prior to the 25th anniversary. CBC has a policy of generally refraining from labeling specific incidents as terrorism without clear attribution.
In a statement, the RCMP mentioned that they cannot comment on the intelligence-sharing practices of other law enforcement agencies, but Commissioner Duheme emphasized that the partnership remains intact.
“We cherish our collaboration with our U.S. counterparts as we closely cooperate to address national security threats and stay vigilant of emerging risks,” stated Duheme.
“We maintain robust relationships with Canada’s security and intelligence community and collaborate closely with both domestic and international partners, including members of the Five Eyes community.”
After facing criticism, Basem Boshra, CBC’s senior director of journalistic standards and public trust, issued a clarification on August 28, stating that “direct attribution is not necessary when describing the historic events of 9/11 as terrorism.”
Despite efforts to clarify, tensions escalated with the White House. Patel publicly expressed his frustration, issuing a statement on social media that any Canadian agency not disavowing the guidance on 9/11 history would lose favor with the FBI.
According to sources cited by the New York Times, Patel sought retribution against Canada, leading FBI officials to cancel meetings with their Canadian counterparts and indicate a temporary halt in communication. The report also mentioned a cessation of some collaborative efforts between the two agencies around the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, as per informed individuals.
These allegations could signify a new phase in the deteriorating relationship between Canada and the U.S., now carrying implications for public safety.
Despite ongoing provocations from U.S. President Donald Trump towards Canada, security and intelligence operations in Canada have reportedly continued without significant disruptions. Given Canada’s reliance on intelligence partnerships like the Five Eyes, any major fallout with U.S. security agencies could have severe consequences.
The RCMP and FBI share a longstanding partnership, collaborating on various issues ranging from border security to counterterrorism and cybersecurity.
A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree emphasized that the Canadian government highly values its enduring law enforcement and security alliances with the U.S.
“We appreciate the dedication of Canadian and American law enforcement personnel and the deep cooperation between Canadian and U.S. agencies,” stated the spokesperson, Simon Lafortune.
“This cooperation is vital for the safety of both Canadians and Americans, and we are committed to engaging with our American counterparts in a constructive and respectful manner.”
The FBI chose not to provide a comment, while the White House did not respond to queries regarding the New York Times’ allegations. However, spokesperson Lauren Bis criticized the CBC memo’s guidance as “disrespectful and appalling to all the 9/11 victims and their families,” emphasizing the attacks as pure acts of evil.
