Security Intelligence Review Committee Annual Report

I haven't read this yet but it seems that they have uncovered some shady dealings by CSIS that violated rights but that is hardly surprising. There are links to the full report.

Attention News Editors:

SIRC releases 2006-2007 Annual Report
OTTAWA, Oct. 30 /CNW Telbec/ - The Annual Report of the Security
Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC) was tabled in Parliament today by the
Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety. The Report summarizes -
to the extent privacy and national security permit - nine reviews completed by
SIRC in 2006-2007 as well as five decisions rendered in complaints cases.
SIRC was established in 1984 to provide assurance to Parliament that the
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is acting appropriately in the
performance of its duties and functions. In doing so, SIRC safeguards
Canadians' fundamental rights and freedoms. SIRC is the only independent,
external body with the legal mandate and expertise to review CSIS activities,
so it is a cornerstone for ensuring the accountability of one of the
Government's most powerful organizations.
The Chair of SIRC, the Honourable Gary Filmon, noted that this year marks
the 25th anniversary of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. "The
bedrock values articulated in that historic document have helped to define
what it means to be Canadian," he said. It is against this backdrop that
SIRC's Annual Report features a summary of a Section 54 Report submitted to
the Minister of Public Safety. It concerns Mohammed Mansour Jabarah, a
Canadian citizen and an admitted al Qaida member, convicted of
terrorist-related offences in the United States. In reviewing CSIS's role in
this case, SIRC found that some of its actions violated certain rights as
guaranteed by the Charter. "No matter how despicable his actions," Mr.Filmon
stated, "the Service must comply with the Charter in carrying out its
investigations."
The remaining eight reviews summarized in SIRC's Annual Report cover a
range of CSIS activities. Among them are two counter-terrorism investigations;
the operations of a security liaison post and a CSIS regional office;
collaboration and exchanges of intelligence post-9/11; security screening
outside the federal government; and the activities of CSIS's Counter Espionage
Investigations desk. SIRC made a total of eight recommendations, intended to
improve the Service's operational policies and procedures.
SIRC is also responsible for investigating complaints against CSIS. In
2006-2007, SIRC dealt with 61 complaints. Not all complaints resulted in an
investigation: some were either redirected to another government institution,
deemed to be outside SIRC's jurisdiction or withdrawn by the complainant. SIRC
issued five written reports and made a total of 11 recommendations.
By examining past CSIS operations and investigating complaints, SIRC
makes findings and recommendations designed to improve the Service's
performance. To the best of its ability and within legal constraints, every
review undertaken and every complaint acted upon, is reflected in SIRC's
Annual Report to Parliament.


Attachments

1. Summary of Reviews, 2006-2007

http://www.sirc-csars.gc.ca/nwsspr/bkgdci/rsm0607-eng.html

2. SIRC's Role and Responsibilities

http://www.sirc-csars.gc.ca/nwsspr/bkgdci/rolres-eng.html

3. Section 54 Reports

http://www.sirc-csars.gc.ca/nwsspr/bkgdci/s54rpt-eng.html



For further information: about SIRC, please contact: Tim Farr, Associate
Executive Director, (613) 990-2955 or consult www.sirc-csars.gc.ca