Introduction

In the two years since my appointment as the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Commissioner, an array of dramatic events has captured the world's attention, including the Cedar Revolution in Lebanon, and calls for the withdrawal of Syrian forces from that country, the Orange Revolution in the Ukraine, a renewed interest in the peace plan for Palestine, an election in Iraq, and parliamentary debates on equal rights for women in Kuwait. Meanwhile, Canada continues to deploy forces in Afghanistan so as to provide a secure environment suitable for the peaceful economic and political development of that nation. The positive scope of these political events is heartening.

Paralleling these changes in the geo-political landscape is the continued threat of terrorism globally. As evidenced by the bombings that killed or injured thousands in Madrid on March 11, 2004, international networks of terrorists continue to operate. This is the global environment in which CSE operates, one that is uncertain and volatile. At the same time, we are witnessing dramatic technological advances that, in the wrong hands, pose an ongoing threat to government information systems and assets, and ultimately, to Canada's security and economic competitiveness.

In the face of challenges such as these, CSE plays an essential role and makes a vital contribution to Canada's security and national interests. An integral part of Canada's security and intelligence community, CSE provides foreign intelligence to the Government of Canada and ensures the protection of the Government's electronic information and its information infrastructures. Today's national security realities make it imperative that CSE maintain its capacity and a high state of technological and operational readiness to meet Canada's evolving needs in these areas.

As the CSE Commissioner, my role is to determine if CSE's activities comply with the laws of Canada in general and, in particular, to assess whether CSE appropriately safeguards the privacy of Canadians. Over the past two years as Commissioner, I have gained an appreciation for the complex and important issues involved. Moreover, I can rely on the extensive expertise, loyalty and commitment of my staff to assist me in carrying out the Commissioner's review role effectively and efficiently.

I am pleased to submit this Annual Report for 2004-2005, summarizing the work of my office over the past year. As this report demonstrates, much has been accomplished during that time. More importantly, the report provides clear support for the essential role of the Commissioner's review function and the assurances it brings to Canadians.