Report on reviewing the Communications Security Establishment tabled in Parliament

OTTAWA, July 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Today, the Annual Report of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner, the Honourable Jean-Pierre Plouffe, cd, was tabled in Parliament.

The Commissioner provides independent external review of Communications Security Establishment (CSE) operational activities to determine whether they complied with the law and protected the privacy of Canadians. Mr. Plouffe is a retired judge of the Superior Court of Quebec and the Court Martial Appeal Court of Canada.  He has all the powers of a Commissioner under Part II of the Inquiries Act.

Report Highlights

All of the CSE activities reviewed in 2017-2018 complied with the law. The Commissioner did, however, make four recommendations to promote compliance with the law and strengthen privacy protection. 

One recommendation related to CSE information sharing with international partners to ensure an adequate assessment of authorities and privacy protection measures prior to undertaking new sharing activities. A second recommendation related to disclosure of Canadian identity information and requiring client departments to note both lawful authority and a robust operational justification to acquire that information.

Two other recommendations dealt with ministerial authorizations one that CSE should clarify language to reflect the legal protection afforded solicitor-client communications; and the other that CSE should restore the inclusion of comprehensive information in its request to the Minister for one particular MA to assist the Minister in making his decision.

Commissioner Plouffe noted that this past year was a very dynamic one given the passage of Bill C-22 creating the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians and the introduction of Bill C-59 overhauling Canada's national security accountability framework. "The scope of the changes we are undergoing may seem daunting," he said, "however, a steady and committed approach as we proceed through the initial period will help achieve the desired objectives ultimately determined by Parliament." He added: "I look forward to continuing to contribute to this important process as Bill C-59 proceeds through Parliament."

The annual report is available at www.ocsec-bccst.gc.ca/ann-rpt/index_e.php.

Associated Links

• The Commissioner's website is: www.ocsec-bccst.gc.ca.
• CSE's website provides more information on its mandate and activities: www.cse-cst.gc.ca.

SOURCE Office of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner

J. William Galbraith, Executive Director, Office of the CSE Commissioner, 613-992-3044