Conservative and Bloc Members of Parliament are requesting an urgent meeting of the House of Commons public safety committee to investigate allegations of espionage involving a former Canadian intern who was apprehended by Belgian authorities on suspicion of spying.

Expressing deep concern, Conservative MP Frank Caputo emphasized the need for a thorough examination of Canada’s national security screening procedures in light of these allegations. The focus is on identifying potential gaps that may have compromised sensitive information and jeopardized the security of Canada and its allies.

The individual in question, Biwei Zhang, had been serving as an intern at NATO’s Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) in Mons, Belgium. While Belgian officials did not disclose her identity, a CBC News investigation revealed Zhang as a systems engineer with an economics background, who had previously worked at the Canadian Space Agency and Statistics Canada.

Reports from security sources in Europe, including Reuters, suggest that Zhang’s conduct drew suspicion from NATO’s internal security services. It is alleged that she displayed inquisitive behavior towards colleagues, ventured into restricted areas, and accessed files beyond her designated responsibilities within SHAPE’s IT Department.

Zhang is currently under detention in Belgium, with the accusations against her yet to be proven in court.

In response to these developments, the public safety committee plans to delve into how Zhang obtained the internship at NATO, the extent of security screening conducted prior to her appointment, any red flags raised by Canadian or allied authorities, and the adequacy of monitoring measures in place.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has pledged a thorough examination of Canada’s security screening protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canadian security officials were actively involved in the situation from the outset, addressing concerns about the efficacy of Canada’s security screening processes.