The OSINT Output Hosted by Tim and Chris

By Jay Heisler, Freelance Canadian Journalist

Bio: Nicolas Bureau (LinkedIn Profile) is a researcher and practitioner specializing in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), cyber investigations, and digital forensics. His interest in open-source intelligence dates back to the mid-1990s, when he served as coordinator of a Security Information Management Research Center, where he focused on structured analysis of publicly available information and emerging information dynamics in digital environments. In that role, he worked alongside former senior officers from several Quebec police services, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as private-sector partners. He is a member of several professional organizations in the intelligence and security field, including the Canadian Intelligence Network, the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies (CASIS-Vancouver and CASIS-ACERS), and the Network for Strategic Analysis (RAS-NSA). He is currently pursuing studies in cyber investigations and intelligence analysis at Polytechnique Montréal.

What is the current situation in Canada for the OSINT field today?

In Canada, the field of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) has evolved significantly over the past decade. For many years, intelligence communities placed strong emphasis on traditional technical disciplines such as SIGINT and ELINT. As a result, the strategic potential of structured open-source research was sometimes underestimated.

Over time, however, there has been a growing awareness within the intelligence and security community that publicly available information can provide substantial analytical value. Today, OSINT is increasingly recognized as a legitimate intelligence discipline, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, disinformation analysis, and geopolitical monitoring.

Canadian institutions have also developed closer collaboration with the private sector in this area. Government organizations such as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and the Communications Security Establishment increasingly interact with private technology companies and research groups to develop methodologies and professional standards for open-source investigations.

The private sector is now much more actively involved in OSINT research. A growing number of companies and startups are developing tools and analytical frameworks specifically designed for open-source intelligence and cyber-threat analysis.

Artificial intelligence is also beginning to transform the field. AI-driven data analysis, correlation techniques, and automated signal detection are significantly increasing both the complexity and the analytical power of OSINT investigations.

What we are seeing today is the normalization of OSINT as a core intelligence discipline rather than simply a complementary research tool.

What is the current situation for US-Canada cooperation on OSINT?

Cooperation between Canada and the United States in intelligence matters remains extremely close and deeply institutionalized.

Even when political or trade disagreements arise between the two countries, operational cooperation between security institutions generally continues to function in a stable and pragmatic manner. This collaboration involves a wide range of agencies including intelligence services, law-enforcement bodies, and border security organizations.

Canadian institutions such as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police frequently work alongside their American counterparts on issues related to transnational crime, cyber threats, and hybrid security challenges.

At a broader level, this cooperation is embedded within the framework of the Five Eyes intelligence partnership, which continues to structure a large portion of analytical and technical exchanges between the allied countries.

There are also strong professional links between analysts, researchers, and practitioners in both countries. Professional networks and research communities in the intelligence field often include members from both sides of the border, facilitating informal exchanges of knowledge and methodology.

What is the current situation for US-Canada military exercises?

Military cooperation between Canada and the United States remains one of the most integrated defense relationships in the world.

Both countries conduct regular joint exercises to maintain interoperability between their armed forces. A key pillar of this cooperation is the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which is responsible for the defense of North American airspace.

Beyond North America, Canadian forces also participate in a number of multinational exercises alongside the United States and other allied countries in Europe. These activities are part of a broader deterrence posture aimed at maintaining stability and discouraging aggressive actions, particularly in light of Russia’s strategic ambitions in Eastern Europe.

Within this framework, the Canadian Armed Forces regularly train with U.S. forces and NATO allies in order to strengthen collective readiness and operational coordination.

The Guerrier Nordique was a popular exercise with the Vermont National Guard when I visited Vermont. Any chance of more US state national guards being invited to train in Canada?

Guerrier Nordique is a major winter warfare training exercise organized by the Canadian Armed Forces in northern Quebec, focusing on operations in extreme cold-weather environments.

U.S. units, including elements of the Vermont National Guard, have previously participated in this training. This reflects the close operational relationship between Canadian forces and the various components of the U.S. National Guard.

Beyond the NORAD framework, Canada and the United States also cooperate in several initiatives related to Arctic security. The strategic importance of the Arctic has increased significantly in recent years.

In fact, only a few weeks ago Canadian forces participated alongside U.S. and Nordic partners in exercises designed to improve operational capabilities in Arctic and sub-Arctic environments.

Given these strategic priorities, it is very likely that additional U.S. National Guard units will continue to be invited to participate in cold-weather and Arctic training exercises in Canada.

Cold-weather and Arctic training are becoming strategically important again, and Canada offers one of the most realistic environments for that kind of preparation.