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Model for National Security Committee of Parliamentarians

Ottawa, April 4, 2005 -- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness the Honourable Anne McLellan today tabled in Parliament details of a proposed National Security Committee of Parliamentarians. The proposal will guide the development of legislation the Government intends to introduce in the near future.

"The proposed National Security Committee would provide a new and important role for Parliamentarians that integrates with existing review bodies and introduces a made-in-Canada approach consistent with international models," said the Deputy Prime Minister. "The proposal builds on a commitment set out in the National Security Policy and the Action Plan for Democratic Reform."

The proposed National Security Committee of Parliamentarians would be mandated to review the framework for security and intelligence in Canada, and the ability of departments and agencies engaged in security and intelligence activities to fulfill their responsibilities. Membership would be comprised of up to nine Parliamentarians from both the House of Commons and the Senate. Government and Opposition parties would be represented. The Committee would be provided with information required to carry out its mandate, and appropriate safeguards would be in place to ensure the protection of classified information. Committee reports would be submitted to the Prime Minister, who would then table the reports in Parliament.

The Deputy Prime Minister also tabled the report of the Interim Committee of Parliamentarians on National Security, which recently studied the issue.

"I would like to thank the Interim Committee members for their report, and for their continued cooperation in the development of this proposal," said the Deputy Prime Minister. "Their work has been an important contribution to the Government's sustained efforts to enhance Canada's national security framework. My officials and I have had the opportunity to consult with Interim Committee members and have valued their advice and recommendations. We will continue to work with members of the Committee as we prepare legislation."

See also:

• Backgrounder

For more information:

Alex Swann
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863