Federal override makes spy committee’s mandate ‘a mirage,’ information czar says

“This override essentially turns the committee’s broad mandate into a mirage,” Legault testified before the House of Commons public safety committee.

“It will undermine any goodwill and public trust that may have been built up towards the (proposed) committee, and by extension, the national security agencies it oversees.”

The bill also contains exclusions that would limit the sensitive information committee members could see.

“Based on my experience, I am of the view that the committee will face difficulties in fulfilling its mandate if it cannot obtain relevant records,” Legault said.

The committee should have robust access to information, with no limitations, she said. At the very least, there should be a public interest clause requiring ministers to determine if non-disclosure is necessary when weighed against giving the committee access to the material, Legault added.

Among her other recommendations:

— Set out a precise number of days for the government to provide information to the committee, as a means of avoiding delays;

— Ensure committee meetings will be public by default, going behind closed doors only if an open session would harm national security;

— Place no limitations on other review bodies when collaborating and sharing information with the committee;

— Make decisions by ministers reviewable by the Federal Court.

All of Canada’s major allies — including the United States, Britain and France — have such parliamentary committees to oversee intelligence activities.

The Liberals say the goal is to ensure security and intelligence organizations are effective while protecting Canadian values, rights and freedoms.

— Follow @JimBronskill on Twitter

Jim Bronskill, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Federal override makes spy committee’s mandate ‘a mirage,’ information czar says

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