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- Section 2. C. Policy and governance framework
Annual Report 2005-2006 - An Operational Review of CSIS Activities
Section 2: CSIS accountability mechanisms
C. Policy and governance framework
National Requirements for Security Intelligence
Subsection 6(2) of the CSIS Act states that the Minister of Public Safety may issue written directions to the Director of CSIS. The document, entitled “National Requirements for Security Intelligence,
” outlines where the Service should focus its investigative efforts, and provides general direction to CSIS in its collection, analysis and advisory responsibilities. It is based on a Memorandum to Cabinet, prepared annually by CSIS for the Minister of Public Safety to present to his or her Cabinet colleagues.
In 2005-06, a Memorandum was reviewed and approved by Cabinet, but no National Requirements were issued. The Service informed SIRC that, in the absence of specific Ministerial Direction, it relied on the priorities approved by Cabinet, which would normally have served as the basis for the annual National Requirements.
Ministerial Direction
Under Subsection 6(2) of the CSIS Act, the Minister of Public Safety may issue directions governing CSIS's activities and investigations.
No new directions were issued in the year under review.
This outcome is consistent with what SIRC had predicted in its 2000-01 annual report.3 At that time, it foresaw that Ministerial Direction would likely not be updated regularly in the future. SIRC expected that increased emphasis on the Service's own operational policies would serve as the source for special instructions and guidelines for implementation.
Changes in CSIS operational policy
CSIS operational policy embodies the rules which govern the range of activities that CSIS undertakes in doing its work. Operational policy is updated regularly in accordance with legislative and other changes. These updates are reviewed by SIRC to ensure that they conform to the CSIS Act, Ministerial Direction and existing operational policies.
In 2005-06, CSIS was preparing for a significant reorganization of its operations, implemented in May 2006. According to the Service, an evolving threat environment required that CSIS make these changes to increase operational capability, consolidate and enhance analysis functions and enhance corporate support.4
CSIS revised almost 50 policies in 2005-06, of which 40 were changes reflecting the government department name change from Solicitor General to Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada. Other significant influences on policy ncluded the Service's role in assisting Canadian military operations (for which CSIS is developing a new policy), as well as the expansion of intelligence collection by CSIS overseas.
Governor-in-Council regulations and appointments
Section 8(4) of the CSIS Act states that the Governor-in-Council may issue regulations to the Service concerning the powers and duties of the Director of CSIS, as well as the conduct and discipline of Service employees.
The Governor-in-Council did not issue any regulations in 2005-06.