OTTAWA – Just as the federal government is poised to boost the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, the national spy watchdog says it has had to push CSIS to hand over crucial information.
The Security Intelligence Review Committee says it faced “significant delays” in receiving requested documentation over the last year and had to press CSIS to obtain complete and consistent answers to several questions.
In its annual report to Parliament, the review committee – which has a right to see all CSIS records – says it was “seriously misled” by the spy service in one complaint investigation.
WATCH: We must not be intimidated,’Senate Chair Daniel Lang says
The committee report, quietly tabled Friday, also criticizes CSIS for failing to point out a highly relevant document in another complaint probe.
It also says CSIS failed to keep Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney apprised of a particularly sensitive program that could stir controversy if exposed publicly.
- Osoyoos Band seeks return of sacred sites in discussions with B.C. government
- Record turnout expected for Penticton Peach Classic Triathlon, boosting local economy
- Mom and 1-month-old baby missing in northern B.C., not seen since July 9
- Hoekstra says Trump serious about tariff threat over wildfire smoke
Get breaking National news
WATCH: ‘We are not and have not been immune to acts of terrorism,’ RCMP Commissioner says
The government is expected to introduce legislation shortly that would give CSIS greater flexibility in tracking terror suspects abroad, as well as provide blanket identity protection for the agency’s human sources.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.