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ARCHIVED - RPP 2007-2008
Security Intelligence Review Committee


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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities

SIRC has only one strategic outcome, described below. In realizing this outcome, the Committee is seeking to ensure that at all times, CSIS acts within the law.

This outcome is important to Canadians, because it helps to protect their fundamental rights and freedoms. In effect, SIRC is a cornerstone for ensuring the democratic accountability of one of the Government's most powerful organizations.

This outcome also contributes to one of the Government of Canada's outcomes: specifically, a strong and mutually beneficial North American partnership. It is clear that Canada's prosperity and security are closely linked to its relationship with its continental partners, all of whom are committed to the social well-being, economic success and the safety and security of their citizens. Security intelligence helps to safeguard this relationship, and the review function contributes to the effectiveness of these agencies.

Strategic Outcome:

To provide assurance to the Parliament of Canada and through it, to Canadians, that CSIS is complying with law, policy and Ministerial Direction in the performance of its duties and functions.

Program Activity # 1: Reviews of CSIS Activities

Financial Resources ($ millions)


2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

$1.9

$1.9

$1.9


Human Resources (FTEs)


2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

14

14

14


The purpose of the Review Program is to conduct reviews of CSIS activities to ensure compliance. The expected result is changes or improvements to CSIS operational policies and procedures, where appropriate, based on the findings and recommendations which SIRC makes in its reviews.

SIRC has virtually unlimited power to review CSIS's performance of its duties and functions. With the sole exception of Cabinet confidences, SIRC has the absolute authority to examine all information concerning CSIS's activities, no matter how highly classified that information may be.

It is important to note that the Committee examines CSIS's performance on a retrospective basis, that is to say, it examines the past activities of the Service. Its work is not intended to provide oversight of current CSIS operations. However, by preparing "snapshots" of highly sensitive CSIS activities over two decades, SIRC helps Parliament to determine whether CSIS is acting appropriately and within the law.

SIRC's research program is designed to address a broad range of subjects. This approach allows the Committee to manage the inherent risk of being able to review only a small percentage of CSIS activities in any given year. In planning reviews for 2007-2008 and future years, SIRC will need to keep pace with CSIS's increased level of activity, while also remaining prepared to adjust planned activities to respond to unforseen events. This year, SIRC plans to complete eight reviews, a slight decrease from the past year, which will examine a broad range of CSIS activities. Decisions on review topics continue to be undertaken based on domestic and world events; issues, priorities and concerns identified by Canadians and Parliament; past reviews; and existing and emerging CSIS activities.

As part of its review program, the Committee visits CSIS regional offices on a rotating basis to examine how Ministerial direction and CSIS policy affect the day-to-day work of investigators in the field. These trips afford Committee Members with an opportunity to meet with senior CSIS staff, receive briefings on regional issues and communicate the Committee's focus and concerns. Regional visits also permit the Committee to meet with experts on a broad range of subjects. The Committee intends to visit at least two CSIS regional offices in 2007-2008.

CSIS also maintains a number of posts outside Canada. In order to monitor effectively the application of the Service's information-sharing arrangements with foreign agencies, SIRC conducts regular reviews of these Foreign Officer (FO) posts abroad. At least one FO post will be included in the 2007-2008 research plan.

"Reviews of CSIS Activities" is an ongoing activity which includes salary costs and training for staff, monthly meetings attended by Committee Members, their travel expenses and per diems. It also includes ground transportation on a daily basis between SIRC's office and CSIS headquarters.

Several performance measurements are used to assess its effectiveness. One measure is whether the research plan approved by the Committee is completed in its entirety. Another measure concerns whether CSIS acts on the recommendations contained in SIRC's reviews. Other measures include the number and scope of reviews relative to resources; how frequently different aspects of CSIS's operations are reviewed, given that SIRC cannot review each on an annual basis; and feedback on the quality of reviews from those privy to receive them.

Program Activity # 2: Complaints

Financial Resources ($ millions)


2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

$1.0

$1.0

$1.0


Human Resources (FTEs)


2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

7

7

7


The purpose of the Complaints Program is to investigate complaints and conduct investigations in relation to:

  • complaints "with respect to any act or thing done by the Service" as described in the CSIS Act;
  • complaints about denials of security clearances to federal government employees and contractors;
  • referrals from the Canadian Human Rights Commission in cases where the complaint relates to the security of Canada; and
  • Minister's reports in respect of the Citizenship Act.

The Committee has no control over the number of complaints it receives in any given year. Their volume and complexity can have a significant impact on SIRC's capacity to fulfill its mandate. Because complaints are very time consuming, small changes in their numbers can significantly affect the Committee's budget and operations.

"Complaints" is an ongoing activity. It includes salary costs and training for staff, complaint hearings presided over by Committee Members, their travel expenses and per diems, as well as costs for simultaneous translation, court reporters, plus funding to obtain outside legal advice.

One measure of its effectiveness is whether or not the Committee's decisions are subsequently challenged in Federal Court. SIRC has also adopted a standard that all written complaints are formally acknowledged within seven days of their receipt and that within 60 days, all complaints should either be resolved to the complainant's satisfaction, determined to be without foundation and closed, or elevated to the status of an in-depth Committee investigation.