TBS Message to Departments to use to send to Employees on Standard on Security Screening

Security Screening

The new Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Standard on Security Screening, approved by Treasury Board Ministers, which came into effect on October 20, 2014, requires credit checks be conducted, as part of the security screening process, for all individuals employed or working in departments. To explain what this means for you and to address some frequently asked questions, the Treasury Board Secretariat has developed the attached Questions and Answers document.

The reliability of individuals with access to sensitive information and/or assets must be appropriately and consistently assessed. In response to the dynamic risk environment which has evolved over time, this new Standard reintroduced the requirement for credit checks - for all levels of screening.

As one of a number of screening activities within the security screening process, a credit check will provide additional information with which to assess an individual’s reliability and trustworthiness. It strengthens the integrity of security screening practices across government and will enable portability of security screening between departments and agencies.

The credit check is now mandatory for all new security screening requests (ie. new hires) and will be phased in for the remainder of individuals e.g. during security screening upgrades, updates or reviews for cause. This new requirement applies to all employees.

Also note that employees in all departments are now required to report any change in personal circumstances that may affect the security status or clearance granted to their manager or Chief Security Officer (CSO) in a timely manner. This includes changes in financial status (notable financial gain or loss), change in criminal record status (new criminal record, record suspension, judicial prohibitions). Those individuals who work in Security and Intelligence organizations may be required to report additional changes in their personal or legal status, including a change in marital status or name.

All personal information collected during the security screening process is protected according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. This applies to the collection, retention and disposal of information.

For additional information regarding mandatory credit checks, please see the Standard on Security Screening or contact your Departmental Security Office.