Canada and the ‘Five Eyes’ Alliance: Current directions in domestic national security policies

On June 18, 2015, the Canadian government passed the Anti-terrorism Act (ATA) with the purpose of enhancing Canada’s national security strategy. The ATA has faced extensive criticism with many questioning the legality and necessity of the government’s approach to domestic national security. However, little attention has focused on how Canada’s national security measures compare to strategies implemented by other democratic nations. A comparative policy analysis is utilized to systematically examine some of the most controversial measures contained within the ATA in comparison to equivalent legislation existing among member-states of the ‘Five Eyes’ alliance. Relevant insights into the development of national security policies and practices are generated along with recommendations to improve Canada’s current national security framework.