Conversations with a Former Canadian Spy

Andrew Kirsch

Andrew Kirsch is the founder of Kirsch Group a boutique Risk Consulting Firm serving governments, and corporate clients.

Andrew previously served as an intelligence officer with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) for just under a decade. He held roles as a policy analyst and a field investigator, ultimately leading the special operations security team running covert warranted operations.

He was a founding member and first ever Department Security Officer (DSO) in the Ontario Office of the Provincial Security Advisor with a mandate to enhance physical, personnel, information and network security across the Public Service. He was appointed to the Ontario Expert Panel on Cyber Security in 2020, advising the government on strengthening cyber security practices in the broader public sector.

Andrew is a public speaker and trainer on issues of national, physical and cyber security. His book – I Was Never Here: My True Canadian Spy Story of Coffees, Code Names and Covert Operations in the Age of Terrorism was a national bestseller. For more information visit: kirschgroup.com

Conversations with a former Canadian Spy 

Former Canadian Spy Andrew Kirsch gives a rarely-seen peek behind the curtain of Canada’s intelligence agency. He explains what the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is, what it’s really like to work there, and why it’s important that you know more about it!

In this lecture Andrew will share some entertaining stories from his national bestselling memoir I Was Never Here to explain the threats Canada faces, the challenges to come and the role we all must play to keep each other safe.

This event is part of the Spring 2025 Speaker series.