The federal government announced that it will provide the Canadian spy agency "CSIS" with hundreds of millions of dollars over the next eight years, including funds to enhance its presence in Toronto in the face of rising global threats.

In the budget announced by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last Tuesday, the government said that the country remains targeted by hostile entities, which threaten our democratic institutions, diaspora communities, and economic prosperity.

To help combat such threats, as well as violent extremism and foreign interference, the federal government states it will spend $655.7 million over eight years to enhance its intelligence capabilities and presence.

The budget document noted that part of the funding will enable CSIS to enhance its intelligence capabilities and presence in Toronto.

In speaking with the media, former CSIS agent Andrew Kirsch stated that it makes sense for the agency to bolster its presence in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), where the region often finds itself at the center of various threats.

He further added that recruitment can pose a particular challenge for the agency in Toronto, where the cost of living is higher.

He mentioned that while foreign interference efforts from countries like Russia and China have recently made headlines, there are other serious threats that continue to be a concern.

Kirsch clarified: "CSIS must monitor the threat of terrorism, espionage, and sabotage."