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OTTAWA — Canada is not properly protecting diplomats and staff who face security threats at Canadian missions abroad, including many at high risk for terrorist attacks, violence and espionage, according to the federal auditor general.

Michael Ferguson’s audit of security at Global Affairs Canada’s embassies and consulates found “significant” failings in many places that need immediate attention.

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An audit of six medium- and high-threat missions found “significant vulnerabilities in perimeter security at all sites.”

Physical security, such as vehicle barriers, video surveillance, alarms and X-ray machines were missing or not working properly. At one of the places Ferguson’s team spot-checked, the perimeter was determined in 2011 to have a “critical vulnerability,” but a site visit this year found this problem hadn’t been fixed.

“Overall, Global Affairs Canada had not taken all measures needed to keep pace with evolving security threats at its missions abroad,” Ferguson says in his report, tabled in Parliament Tuesday. “This audit is important because missions are exposed to a range of security threats.”