Navigation Links
Annual Report 2007-2008 - An Operational Review of CSIS Activities
Recommendations
Summary of SIRC recommendations concerning reviews
Review 2007-01
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS employees submit a standard, written record of non-operational information exchanged with foreign partners. This would be placed in both the relevant “cooperation with” file and operational database. The written record of non-operational information exchanged should also cross-reference the operational information exchanged with those foreign partners.
- When CSIS is cooperating with a foreign agency, the Service should establish a separate Section 17 foreign arrangement with that agency to conform with the CSIS Act, Ministerial Direction and operational policy.
Review 2007-02
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS consult with the Treasury Board Secretariat to clarify its responsibility to investigate incidents reported under the Government Security Policy, and to explore the value of enhancing interdepartmental liaison in order to advise departments of their security screening responsibilities under the policy.
Review 2007-04
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS review the criteria used to conduct risk assessments, and that the Service define more precisely the high-risk situations for which it is necessary to consult with the Minister of Public Safety.
Review 2007-05
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS should reconsider its policy structure to accommodate its increasing activities outside Canada.
- CSIS standardize its risk assessments with detailed and consistent terminology that is reflected in operational policy.
Review 2007-06
SIRC recommended that…
- Debates about whether a targeted group is in fact a terrorist organization should be included in future targeting discussions by CSIS.
Review 2006-08*
SIRC recommended that…
- With respect to the Service’s investigation of certain individuals believed to be second-generation terrorists, or recent converts to extremist interpretations of Islam, CSIS should clearly define this issue-based investigation when it is next renewed and determine whether it should focus on issues of increasing concern.
* Note: This review was not finalized until after the 2006-07 annual report went to print.
Summary of SIRC recommendations concerning complaints
Report 2007-01
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS policies be amended so that individuals are permitted to be accompanied and fully represented by counsel or another representative during a security screening interview conducted by the Service.
Review 2007-03
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS implement the recommendations directed at the Service in the Arar Report.
Review 2007-04
SIRC recommended that…
- The Canadian Human Rights Commission not investigate this complaint in accordance with Subsection 46 (2) of the Canadian Human Rights Act.
- The Minister provide the complainant with the opportunity to re-apply for the security clearance under the new policy.
- If the complainant were to re-apply, CSIS or Transport Canada should conduct an interview with the complainant in the presence of counsel or other representative. In addition, the complainant should be made aware of the right to record the interview, and that CSIS or Transport Canada also record the interview and retain a copy of the recording until the complainant has had an opportunity to exhaust any review process or until the retention period under the Privacy Act has expired, whichever is later.
Report 2007-05
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS prepare fresh advice to Citizenship and Immigration Canada that the presence of the complainant in Canada would not be detrimental to the national interest in accordance with Subsection 34(2) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or if required, could be used by the complainant to seek what is referred to as “Ministerial Relief.”
Report 2007-06*
SIRC recommended that…
- CSIS take all necessary steps to ensure the adoption of its Security Screening Procedures Manual and Security Screening Investigator’s Guidebook before June 30, 2008.
- CSIS adopt guidelines to ensure that the information recorded and contained in the security screening database accurately reflect the status of the file to enable all users of the system to be as fully aware as possible of the file without having to review the hardcopy file, and that appropriate diary dates be included in its security screening database.
- CSIS policy be revised as expeditiously as possible to prevent the destruction of recorded or written notes which may be required as evidence in proceedings before the courts or administrative tribunals.
- CSIS provide its advice forthwith with regard to the complainant’s security assessment.