Jailed navy spy Delisle granted full parole

Board says he’s still seen as ‘a good person’ despite selling secrets to Russia

HALIFAX— Convicted spy Jeffrey Delisle, who sold western military secrets to Russia, has been granted full parole.

The Parole Board of Canada said it was satisfied the risk posed by the former Canadian naval intelligence officer could be properly managed through full parole, which was granted March 5.

“Despite your very serious offences, your sources of support still see you as a good person who has the capacity to change, and to live in society as a lawabiding, productive and contributing member of society,” the decision said.

“Throughout the vast majority of your life, you demonstrated the ability to live ... in a lawabiding manner, and the board believes you have the ability to do so again, as long as the proper support systems and supervision structures are in place.”

Sentenced in 2013 to 20 years in prison, Delisle was granted day parole in August.

He started selling military secrets to Russia in 2007, but wasn’t caught until 2011 when the FBI tipped off the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

Delisle, who is in his mid-40s, pleaded guilty to regularly passing classified intelligence to Russia in exchange for cash.

He used floppy discs and memory sticks to smuggle information out of Halifax’s HMCS Trinity, the military intelligence centre.