When the FBI Comes Calling…®

Communications Security Establishment (CSE) (Canada)

Founded:    1975

Mission:      Similar to the NSA and GCHQ, this establishment's primary responsibility is to act as the Canadian government's primary source for SIGINT and to ensure information protection by researching and implementing counterintelligence programs. Currently, the agency is believe to have just over 1,000 military and civilian employees and an estimated $72 million budget. Notably, CSE takes part in many SIGINT intelligence sharing agreements, like the UKUSA Accord of 1947.

Structure:    Located under the Canadian Department of National Defence, although politically beholden to the Privy Council Office, the CSE is comprised of four branches: (a) SIGINT production, (b) counterintelligence, (c) technology development and procurement, and (d) corporate services.