Exhibit 27.3
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, 1984
Following public disclosures of improprieties and offences committed by the
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Security Service, a Commission of Inquiry,
chaired by Mr. Justice D.C. McDonald, was appointed in July 1977 to inquire
into and report on the Security Service's illegal and unauthorized activities.
The Commission concluded that the inappropriate activities were
attributable, in part, to the absence of a legislated mandate, as well as to
limited government direction and control. In its 1981 report, the Commission
recommended the establishment, under statute, of a civilian security
intelligence agency accountable to Parliament through a responsible
minister. It also recommended a comprehensive regime for direction,
control and review.
The Commission's key recommendations were reflected in the Canadian
Security Intelligence Service Act, 1984. The Act gives CSIS a clear
statutory mandate regarding its duties, functions and powers (as well as
limits on them) and sets out the roles of the Solicitor General, the Deputy
Solicitor General, and the Inspector General as these relate to CSIS. The
Act also provides for external review of CSIS by the Security Intelligence
Review Committee (SIRC) and requires SIRC's annual reports to be tabled
in both the Senate and the House of Commons. As well, it establishes a
system of judicial control by requiring CSIS to obtain warrants from the
Federal Court for the exercise of certain intrusive powers.