Announcement of 2006-2007 Annual Report

News Release —  Communiqué

Minister of National Defence Announces Tabling of CSE Commissioner's Annual Report

NR 07.052
June 12, 2007

OTTAWA – Minister of National Defence Gordon J. O'Connor today announced the tabling in the House of Commons of the 2006-2007 Annual Report of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Commissioner.

The Honourable Charles D. Gonthier, Q.C. who was appointed the CSE Commissioner on August 1, 2006, is mandated to review and to report to the Minister of National Defence on the lawfulness of CSE's activities.

"On behalf of the people of Canada, I wish to express my appreciation to Mr. Gonthier for the rigour of his review regarding the lawfulness of CSE's activities," said Minister O'Connor.

In Mr. Gonthier's first annual report as Commissioner, he recognizes the importance of CSE's work and the benefit the Government of Canada derives from the foreign intelligence CSE provides, particularly during a time when the threat of global terrorism continues and the safety of our soldiers in Afghanistan remains at risk. I was reassured by the Commissioner's remark that his "office's review methodology always includes an examination of compliance with the Charter and the Privacy Act." Canadians can also be reassured that CSE is a better organization because of review.

CSE, an agency of the Department of National Defence, provides foreign intelligence to its Canadian Government clients. CSE also provides technical advice and service to the Government of Canada to preserve the security of its telecommunications and automated systems.

The report is available on the Commissioner's website at www.ocsec-bccst.gc.ca

For more information, please contact:

Joanne Weeks
Executive Director
Office of the Communications Security Establishment Commissioner
(613) 992-3044

Isabelle Bouchard
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of National Defence
(613) 996-3100