I write to wish all CIN/RCR members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. I hope you and your families have a wonderful holiday period of rest, warmth and good food.

To all of you who, in some way, work to keep our country safe and secure, I offer my sincere thanks. We all appreciate what you do.

Warm regards,

Jim

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. Stéphane Bourassa has become a new member of CIN/RCR. Stéphane is a former military intelligence officer who specialized in CBRNE Defence. After leaving the CAF, he is engaged in post-doctoral research at the Ecole de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) in the laboratory of Docteur Louis Dufresne, PhD, Ing. See more about Stéphane at https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/en/profile/stephane-bourassa/team/151.

Welcome aboard Stéphane. We look forward to your participation and contributions.

Best regards,

Jim

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Simon Miller as a new member of CIN/RCR. Simon recently joined the Army Reserve as a member of 2 Intelligence Company (2 Int Coy) in Toronto. In his civilian role, Simon is a Senior Principal Managing Partner at Workday, supporting the Government of Canada (and other commercial customers). See more about Simon at

http://www.linkedin.com/in/simonmiller

Welcome Simon. We look forward to your participation.

Best regards,

Jim

Ladies and gentlemen,

We will be holding our next VICS on Thursday, 15 January 2026, at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) on Zoom.

Our topic for discussion will be impact of the new US National Security Strategy 2025 on the spectrum of threats to Canada's sovereignty and national interests.

Attached here is a copy of the US National Security Strategy 2025, for your information and review. A copy has been posted in the Blog and you are invited to engage in commentary as you wish. The body of commentary will provide the basis for our January discussion.

We will be particularly interested in hearing of any effects in your particular area of intelligence work. Is there any change in working relationships among/with our closest allies?

Zoom links will be provided closer to the date.

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that Gran Duckworth is a new member of CIN/RCR.

Grant is a former federal public servant (IRCC, CBSA, ITAC) and past VP of the Canadian International Council (Vancouver branch). He is interested in engaging with retired/current practitioners about global security and intelligence issues impacting Canada. As a former immigration enforcement officer (pre-CBSA) and policy analyst, he is interested in educating existing/new practitioners about the strategic importance of IRCC in safeguarding Canada’s national security (eg., prevention role). As a practitioner of strategic foresight, Grant works to broaden the national discussion about “over the horizon” security and intelligence issues.  

Members may wish to visit his VSIR web page to see his contributions to the national policy dialogue on current/emerging S&I issues.

Welcome aboard Grant.

Best regards,

Ladies and gentlemen,

To remind, tonight is a big night if your interested in threats to Canada and national security strategy generally.

First, at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern) Calvin Chrustie will join our CIN VICS to discuss the Canadian threat landscape. Calvin is a former senior officer in the RCMP and a lawyer. He is concerned about the hybrid warfare already underway in Canada. Join us at 7:00 p.m. Eastern.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89839048389?pwd=iCPSSdXPagyQhwsWlE0Kdz2ra18EBG.1

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that Alex Paterson has joined CIN/RCR. Alex works for Canadians for Justice and Peace in the MIddle East, and is currently focussed on Canadian policy in the Middle East. He has also done work for the Canadian International Council and the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy. Alex is interested in learning more about the intelligence function generally, both for his own career development and future academic endeavours. The interface between intelligence and strategic studies is also one of his interests. Alex looks forward to consulting both academics and practitioners. See more about Alex at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-d-paterson/.

Welcome Alex, it's good to have you with us.

Best regards,

Jim

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to announce that our next Virtual Intelligence Coffee Shop (VICS) will be held next Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 7:00 p.m. Eastern, on Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent/posted separately.

Our guest for the evening is Calvin Chrustie, an experienced former RCMP senior officer with national and international experience. See his background at https://www.linkedin.com/in/calvin-chrustie-llm-03b4686/.

Calvin will lead a discussion on the current threat landscape in Canada.

Best regards,

Jim

Ladies and gentlemen,

I am pleased to welcome Mr. Walter Wood as our newest member of CIN/RCR. You can see Walter's extensive and impressive background at https://www.linkedin.com/in/walter-wood-80819670/. Of his many significant posts, my favourite is his command of the 3 RCR Signals Platoon.

Beyond all that, Walter currently serves as the President of the AFCEA Ottawa Chapter. He is keen to have AFCEA Ottawa become more integrated into the broader intelligence enterprise space. His extensive government and industry experience will certainly enhance the reach of CIN/RCR.

Welcome Walter. It's good to have you with us.

Best regards,

Jim