New CSE Commissioner Appointed - 2003

NR–03.0058
June 5, 2003

Ottawa -- The Hon. John McCallum, Minister of National Defence, announced today the appointment of The Rt. Hon. Antonio Lamer as the new Commissioner of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE). Mr. Lamer replaces the Hon. Claude Bisson, O.C., who was appointed inaugural commissioner in 1996.

The commissioner's mandate is to review the operations of the CSE and attest to their compliance with the laws and the Constitution of Canada. The commissioner reports annually on his findings to the Minister of National Defence, who in turn reports to Parliament. To ensure he is able to fulfill his responsibilities, the commissioner has access to all documents related to the operations of the agency, and to the personnel of the CSE.

"I am pleased to announce Mr. Lamer's appointment to this important oversight position" said Minister McCallum. "The Government's longstanding commitment to CSE accountability will be continued and Canadians will be assured their privacy is protected and their laws respected by the CSE" added the Minister.

Former Chief Justice Lamer's extensive experience in judicial affairs makes him well qualified for the commissioner's position and will ensure a smooth transition within CSE operations.

The appointment is effective June 19, 2003.

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A biography of Mr. Lamer is attached.

For further information:

Randy Mylyk
Director of Communication
Office of the Minister of Defence
(613) 996-3100

Rt. Hon. Antonio Lamer

Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, joined Stikeman Elliott on February 1, 2000 in a senior advisory role. Focuses on the provision of International Advisory Services. These include the arbitration of international disputes, membership on international panels, independent review of government legislation and programs outside Canada, and the provision of counsel on the development of judicial systems. Member of the Privy Council of Canada. Companion Order of Canada. Honourary Bencher of Lincoln's Inn, London. Honourary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Appointed to the Superior Court, December 1969 and to the Queen's Bench (Crown Side) of the Province of Quebec, December 1969. Vice-Chairman of the Law Reform Commission of Canada, December 1971. Appointed a Member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Human Rights Foundation, June 1974. Elected President of La Société de Criminologie du Québec, June 1974. Appointed Chairman of the Law Reform Commission of Canada, April 1976. Elevated to the Quebec Court of Appeal, March 1978 Elevated to the Supreme Court of Canada in March 1980 Member of the Privy Council of Canada Honorary Bencher of Lincoln's Inn, London Honorary Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.

University of Montreal (Faculty of Law 1956), University of Moncton (LL.D. 1981), University of Ottawa (D.U. (Doctor of University) 1987), University of Montreal (LL.D. 1991), University of Toronto (LL.D. 1992), University of New Brunswick (LL.D. 1995), Dalhousie University (LL.D. 1996), University of British Columbia (LL.D. 1999), Saint Paul, University, Ottawa (D.U.-Doctor of University-2001). Born in Montreal, Quebec in 1933.