OTTAWA — The vice-chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency says the spy watchdog will face “very difficult choices” about what it examines in coming years due to federal budget cuts.

The federal budget presented last month included a plan to reduce government spending and save $13 billion annually by 2028-29.

The review agency, which keeps an eye on the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and several other intelligence organizations, is slated to receive less money due to the belt-tightening.

During a media briefing today, agency vice-chair Craig Forcese said there’s a good chance the watchdog will reduce the number of studies it does each year.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged today the intelligence review agency will have less cash.

Anandasangaree said he looked forward to working with the agency to ensure its core functions are not affected.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 3, 2025.

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press