Announcement of 1997-1998 Annual Report

News Release —  Communiqué

OTTAWA, June 1, 1998

CSE Commissioner Submits Second Annual Report

The Honourable Arthur Eggleton, Minister of National Defence, today tabled the second annual report of the Commissioner of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) in the House of Commons.

The Honourable Claude Bisson, retired Chief Justice of the Quebec Court of Appeal, was appointed by Order in Council in June 1996 to a three year term as CSE Commissioner.  His mandate includes the review of CSE operations to determine whether the organization is in compliance with the laws of Canada.  Commissioner Bisson submitted his first annual report in April, 1997.

Commissioner Bisson notes in his second annual report, which covers the period April 1, 1997 to March 31, 1998, that "Based on the results of this review and analysis, I am of the opinion that CSE has acted lawfully in the performance of its mandated activities since my last report.  I am also satisfied that CSE has not targeted Canadian citizens or permanent residents"

Commissioner Bisson notes that, in particular, "CSE does not target Quebec communications, or the Quebec sovereignty movement, and it does not have a "French Section".

In his report, Commissioner Bisson comments on several other areas of importance, including:

As a final comment, Commissioner Bisson notes that he has the resources and access required to discharge his responsibilities in the year ahead.

For further information, contact:
Joanne Weeks
Office of the CSE Commissioner
(613) 992-3044

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