Shaping the Review Environment

It goes without saying that Canada's security and intelligence sector – as well as its various review mechanisms – will be shaped by the important parliamentary and government initiatives currently underway. As discussed earlier in this report, the ongoing three-year review of the omnibus Anti-Terrorism Act, the recommendations on review mechanisms for the RCMP that are anticipated from the Arar Commission and the proposed National Security Committee of Parliamentarians, all have the potential to make a substantial impact on the security and intelligence sector over the coming months and years.

As CSE Commissioner, I will continue to monitor these initiatives carefully and, wherever possible, make a positive contribution to the outcomes. I believe that the review community has much to offer and I welcome the opportunity to be part of the process. One of the principles guiding my input will be the need for a thoughtful approach to these issues, one that does not attempt to change what works, merely for the sake of change itself. While changes may certainly be called for, we must take care not to dilute what Parliament has put in place without due consideration and reflection.