Home Newsroom 2005 News releases (archive) 2005-09-14: Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister

Statement by the Deputy Prime Minister

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan today issued this statement in respect of the report of the Security Intelligence Review Committee on the complaint by Mr. Bhupinder S. Liddar.

"First of all, this case validates the important role that the Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC) plays in ensuring the accountability of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

To that point, and on the matter of the report’s first recommendation that Mr. Liddar be granted a level III security clearance, the process ran its proper course. The difference in findings between CSIS and SIRC is a clear demonstration of the important and independent role the Committee plays in reviewing complaints regarding the denial of a security clearance, and more broadly, of the checks and balances the Government has built into our nation’s security intelligence processes.

That said, I did write to the Director of CSIS asking him to look into certain matters raised in the report and provide me with his assessment.

In response to the second recommendation made by SIRC, as it relates to taping interviews and the making and retention of notes in security clearance interviews, the Director has committed to report back to me following a comprehensive review of this complex issue. The Director has, as well, indicated that the Service will look, in a broader fashion, at its security screening practices and policies.

The information in the report’s appendix did not, as it states, affect the two recommendations. However, I was concerned by, and take very seriously, the comments therein relating to CSIS’ interactions with the Committee during the hearings.

The Director of CSIS has met already with the Chair of SIRC and emphasized his personal commitment to addressing any concerns relating to CSIS’ relationship with the Committee.

Specifically, the Director of CSIS has indicated to the Chair of SIRC that, while the Service did not believe that it had misled the Committee, any such impression is unacceptable.  Furthermore, the Director has reminded managers of the Service of CSIS’ obligation to provide all relevant information to the Committee and to ensure thorough responses to the Committee’s requests.  He has also asked his General Counsel, in consultation with SIRC Counsel, to review procedures relating to hearings to determine how the Service can best meet the obligation of disclosure in SIRC litigation.  SIRC has indicated its agreement with this approach.

I have asked the Director of CSIS to meet again with the Chair of SIRC to discuss the concerns raised around this case and to continue talks aimed at addressing any particular concerns."