OTTAWA—The Foreign Affairs ministry is warning staff about the danger of leaking information to the press — according to information leaked to the press.

An email published by VICE News from the top brass at Foreign Affairs warned that leaks to the press damage the department and the public service generally.

The warning comes after journalists got their hands on high-level memos outlining the department’s estimation of Canada’s reputation in the world, as well as relations with the United Nations.

“Such leaks are harmful to the hundreds of thousands of public servants who cherish the public service values of neutrality and loyalty,” reads the memo, printed in its entirety by the news outlet. “Leaks also hurt the public service as an institution and can have consequences for Canada internationally.”

The email, signed by the department’s top bureaucrat and his subordinates, goes on to say that anyone caught leaking to the press will face serious consequences — including possible charges under the Security of Information Act, which carries a maximum of 14 years in federal prison.

Several news outlets were given “secret” memos from a Sept. 9 meeting of deputy ministers at Foreign Affairs this week.

The latest, obtained by The Canadian Press on Tuesday, warned that Canada’s international reputation was being “eroded” on key foreign affairs issues, such as the environment and the promotion of democracy.

Another, published by the Globe and Mail on Monday, warns that Canada’s role as an “honest broker” in international affairs is in danger. That same morning, CTV reported the department was concerned that many embassies and missions in the Middle East and Africa were not safe, and Canadian personnel could be in danger.

It’s not clear if the stories were based on the same Sept. 9 memo, or if a number of memos from that day were leaked.

A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development said on Friday the RCMP has been notified about the leaks.

“Any unauthorized disclosure of information is investigated and, in cases involving suspected criminal wrongdoing, the department works with the RCMP,” Nicolas Doire said in an email.

“We do not comment on ongoing investigations.”