In the wake of a post 9/11 world and in the shadow of the CIA, CSIS decides to reinvigorate it's intelligence operations. Mary Spalding, director of OCU declares it the "Year of the Rat" and sets out to create a new network of informants. The crown jewel of her collection: Crime Boss Jimmy Reardon. Reardon, a third generation gangster hopes to reap the benefits of this powerful new ally, but still has plenty of obstacles to overcome. His freshly divorced wife, a power hungry motorcycle gang, and the eager clutches of the DEA all dog his trail. In the meantime, Mary has problems of her own; her predecessor has enlisted Ted Altman, an ambitious and conniving colleague with his own agenda, to undermine her efforts and ensure that her career comes to an abrupt end.

Intelligence follows Jimmy and Mary as they navigate through the treacherous waters of Canada's modern world of espionage.