Preface

The Government of Canada relies on information and intelligence obtained through a variety of means and from a wide range of sources as part of its efforts to protect the country's assets and interests. Canada's ability to meet its many international obligations, for example, in peacekeeping efforts and the fight against terrorism, are assisted by intelligence collection, analysis and dissemination.

During the early months following my appointment, it became apparent to me that both the collectors and users of intelligence in Canada share the view that the end of the Cold War gave rise to new and complex challenges. Indeed, information and intelligence collected throughout the '90s reveal a diversification of, and an increase in, threats to the security interests of many nations, including Canada. Political, social, and economic volatility and, in some instances, instability, together with the disappearance of a common foe, threaten defences and security globally.

The free movement of peoples and materiel has resulted in an increase in the threat of terrorism. It has also raised global concerns regarding the proliferation and ready availability of weapons of mass destruction, and contributed to the spread of organized criminal activity. Global economic and technological competition also play a role in this developing mosaic, and the number of potential and known targets--persons and organizations--has grown.

In order to meet these challenges, the security and intelligence components of the Government of Canada have played a vital role in the collection, analysis and dissemination of information and intelligence on issues that affect national interests. As a member of Canada's security and intelligence community, the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) contributes to these efforts through the delivery of its mandated programs, commonly known as foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT) and information technology security (ITS).

I believe, however, that the citizens of this country have a justifiable expectation that agencies that must conduct much of their business in secret do so in compliance with the laws of Canada. Providing this assurance in respect of CSE is my responsibilty.