Russian diplomats leave Canada over spy case
Departures connected to allegations against Halifax naval officer
CBC News
Canadian naval intelligence officer Jeffrey Paul Delisle, centre, is led out of court Monday. The Halifax man is accused under the Security of Information Act of passing secrets to a foreign entity. (CBC)
Espionage charges laid2:30
Expert on spying allegation5:43Several Russian embassy staff in Ottawa have left Canada in connection with spying allegations.
Four people at the Russian embassy have been removed from the list of embassy and diplomatic staff that Canada recognizes.
While it wasn't immediately clear whether all four departures were related to spying allegations against a Canadian naval officer, some did leave for that reason, CBC news confirmed.
Media reports early Friday said the Harper government had expelled some members of the Russian embassy staff in Ottawa because of alleged involvement with the passing of secrets to a foreign power.
The names of two Russian diplomats, including a defence attaché, and two "technical staff" were dropped from the Department of Foreign Affairs official list of recognized foreign representatives, the Globe and Mail reported.
Canadian naval Sub.-Lt. Jeffrey Paul Delisle, 40, was arrested in the Halifax area last weekend. Delisle faces two charges under the Security of Information Act that deal with communicating information that could harm Canada's interests, according to court documents.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay described the case Tuesday as a matter of national security because of the charges involved, but he would not discuss specifics, including whether the foreign entity in question is Russia.
"Given the early stages of the proceedings, there is really nothing more that can be said," he told a news conference in Ottawa.
The minister sought to reassure Canadians that allegations of espionage centring on the Halifax naval intelligence officer would not affect the country's reputation among other NATO members.
"Our allies have full confidence in Canada, full confidence in our information," MacKay said
Four people at the Russian embassy have been removed from the list of embassy and diplomatic staff that Canada recognizes.
While it wasn't immediately clear whether all four departures were related to spying allegations against a Canadian naval officer, some did leave for that reason, CBC news confirmed.
Media reports early Friday said the Harper government had expelled some members of the Russian embassy staff in Ottawa because of alleged involvement with the passing of secrets to a foreign power.
The names of two Russian diplomats, including a defence attaché, and two "technical staff" were dropped from the Department of Foreign Affairs official list of recognized foreign representatives, the Globe and Mail reported.
Canadian naval Sub.-Lt. Jeffrey Paul Delisle, 40, was arrested in the Halifax area last weekend. Delisle faces two charges under the Security of Information Act that deal with communicating information that could harm Canada's interests, according to court documents.
Defence Minister Peter MacKay described the case Tuesday as a matter of national security because of the charges involved, but he would not discuss specifics, including whether the foreign entity in question is Russia.
"Given the early stages of the proceedings, there is really nothing more that can be said," he told a news conference in Ottawa.
The minister sought to reassure Canadians that allegations of espionage centring on the Halifax naval intelligence officer would not affect the country's reputation among other NATO members.
"Our allies have full confidence in Canada, full confidence in our information," MacKay said
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