Policy and governance - Annual Report 2006-2007

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Section 2.C Policy and governance

Annual Report 2006-2007 - An Operational Review of CSIS Activities

Table of Contents

C. Policy and governance

National Requirements for Security Intelligence

The Minister of Public Safety issues National Requirements for Security Intelligence, which contain general direction from government regarding where CSIS should focus its investigative efforts, as well as guidance on the Service's collection, analysis and advisory responsibilities.

The 2006–08 National Requirements direct the Service to continue to maintain a flexible capability to meet Canada's evolving security intelligence needs by relying on risk management. The Minister notes that today's threat environment is increasingly international and transnational in nature, with many offshore threats to Canada's security requiring foreign investigations. CSIS is therefore directed to continue to investigate threats to Canada's security both within Canada and abroad.

For 2006–08, the Minister has directed CSIS to pursue the following security intelligence priorities:

Safeguarding against—and advising the government of—the possibility of a terrorist attack occurring in or originating from Canada, or affecting Canadian citizens or assets abroad;
Continuing to conduct research and analysis in support of the listing of terrorist entities under the Criminal Code of Canada and combating terrorist financing;
Supporting the Government of Canada's efforts in Afghanistan;
Working closely with other government departments to combat transnational criminal activity;
Investigating threats to Canada's national security arising from activities of countries that engage in espionage;
Continuing to identify and investigate countries and groups that have or may attempt to acquire weapons of mass destruction, and advising the government of the threats posed by these activities;
Supporting the collection of foreign intelligence in Canada to assist the Minister of Foreign Affairs and/or the Minister of National Defence pursuant to Section 16 of the CSIS Act;
Delivering security screening programs to federal departments, agencies and other clients;
Providing the Government of Canada with intelligence assessments and ensuring that CSIS keeps itself informed of political, social and economic environments from which threats to the security of Canada may emerge; and
Ensuring CSIS's technical equipment and information systems meet the requirements of its investigations.

Ministerial Direction

Under Section 6(2) of the CSIS Act, the Minister of Public Safety may issue written directions governing CSIS's activities and investigations. The last time the Minister issued such direction was in 2001, when a compendium was provided to SIRC. In June 2007, however, SIRC received the latest National Requirements for Security Intelligence for 2006–08 (no direction was issued for 2005–06).

Changes in CSIS Operational Policy

CSIS administrative, security, human resources and operational policies embody rules and procedures that govern the range of activities undertaken by the Service. Administrative, security and human resources policies are all internal corporate policies. Operational policies, which describe how CSIS employees should perform their duties, are updated regularly in accordance with government policy, legislative and other changes. They are reviewed by SIRC to ensure that they conform to the CSIS Act and Ministerial Direction.

In 2006–07, CSIS revised and/or published over 120 policies. Some revisions were administrative in nature. The remainder were of an operational nature and pertained to, among other things, warrant acquisition and approvals for Section 12 and 16 investigations. Although no new policies were developed as a result of CSIS's organizational realignment, 14 corporate and 77 operational policies were amended (see CSIS operational activities).

One of the policy projects the Service undertook in 2006–07 was the Director's “Delegation of Responsibility” project—a review of all operational policies to determine where executive and management responsibilities must be delegated. CSIS informed SIRC that this project is ongoing and that it would share the results upon its completion.

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 2006–07.