Revised Standard on Security Screening

What is it?

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) Standard on Security Screening (SSS) sets out the requirements that departments must meet when completing security screening applications for all individuals for whom there is a need to share sensitive or classified information. It is the basis upon which ESDC security screening practices are developed.

How does it affect me?

The standard came into effect on October 20, 2014; however, departments and agencies have 36 months to ensure compliance with the new standard. As we work to implement the required changes to our procedures more information will be communicated to all staff and managers.

The changes are:

Credit Checks for All Individuals

Starting April 1, 2015 ESDC will be performing credit checks for all new and renewed security screening applications. The objective of these financial inquiries is to determine whether an individual may pose a security risk on the basis of financial pressure or history of financial responsibility. As with any other security check, in the event of adverse information, the individual will be provided with the information of concern and the opportunity to fully explain the circumstances surrounding the situation prior to any decision being made.

What you need to know:

  • Credit checks are mandatory for all individuals as part of the revised SSS;
  • Renewal cycle will continue to be 10 years for Reliability Status and Secret Clearance and 5 years for Top Secret;
  • Section C, (Consent and Verification), 3. Credit Check, of the Personnel Screening, Consent and Authorization Form (TBS33023) (PDF, 31 KB) (opens new window) must be properly initialed and signed;
  • Any information collected is protected by the Privacy Act;
  • The type of credit check completed does not affect your credit history; and,
  • Managers must consider the time required to complete a credit check when planning staffing actions as a letter of offer cannot be issued until the proper security screening is obtained.

For more information regarding this part of the new standard please consult the following documents:

Fingerprinting for All Individuals

Effective July 15th, 2015 the RCMP will require fingerprints for all criminal record checks. For more information please visit the RCMP website or read their Questions and Answers .

ESDC Personnel Security Screening Officers will advise individuals on how and where to submit their fingerprints.

New Security Screening Forms

TBS will be updating the security screening forms used by all departments and agencies.

Position Analysis Tool

The Position Analysis Tool (PAT) has been designed to help managers, human resources (staffing) and security officials identify security screening requirements of positions objectively and consistently when applying the security screening models defined in the Standard on Security Screening (SSS) . Managers will answer a series of questions related to the duties and access requirements associated with the position /tenure to determine the relevant and appropriate type and level of security screening. The completed questionnaire will then be sent to the personnel security screening unit for verification.

Aftercare

Aftercare comprises a number of different activities and steps to ensure the continued security of information, assets, employees and Canadians. Some of the items covered by this portion of the standard include: security briefings; security awareness; updates and upgrades to security screenings. As part of Aftercare (maintenance), managers will be required to monitor and report to the DSO or delegated official any unusual behaviour or change in circumstance of employees and/or contractors (e.g. indications of fraudulent activity, disregard for safeguarding sensitive information or assets) which may be cause for concern. TBS guidelines will be issued to ensure standardized implementation of this requirement. Employees are required to report any change of personal circumstances which are normally considered as a component of security screening (e.g. change in financial status (notable financial gain or loss), change in criminal record status (new criminal record, judicial prohibitions). For more information consult Appendix F of the SSS.

Where can I learn more?