Executive Director

Susan Pollak, B.A., M.A.

Susan Pollak was appointed on November 15, 1999, as the Executive Director of the Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC), an agency which provides Parliament and the Canadian public with an external review of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). SIRC also investigates complaints by individuals concerning CSIS and examines reports by Ministers relating to the national security of Canada.

Ms. Pollak began her public service career at the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) of the Department of National Defence in 1973. Ms. Pollak was seconded to the Privy Council Office in 1984, and three years later, she accepted a position as principal advisor to the Deputy Clerk (Security and Intelligence, and Counsel). Since then, Ms. Pollak has held several senior management positions with the Treasury Board Secretariat, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, and Natural Resources Canada.

An experienced manager with strong communication skills, Ms. Pollak brings to SIRC a sound knowledge of the history, structure, mandates, and interrelationships of the various departments and agencies comprising Canada's security and intelligence sector.

Born in Barrie, Ontario, Ms. Pollak earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Carleton University in 1972, and a Master of Arts (English Literature) from Carleton in 1974.