SIRC to Examine CSIS’s Involvement in the Matter of Omar Khadr

OTTAWA, SEPTEMBER 3, 2008 – The Security Intelligence Review Committee (SIRC) today announced that it is conducting an in-depth review into CSIS’s role in the matter of Omar Khadr. Its report, to be prepared pursuant to Section 54 of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, will examine all aspects of CSIS’s involvement in this matter.

Under Section 54 of the CSIS Act, the Committee “may on request by the Minister or at any other time” forward to the Minister of Public Safety a special report on any matter that relates to “the performance of [CSIS’s] duties and functions.” The Chair of SIRC, the Honourable Gary Filmon, stated that this report was being undertaken solely at the initiative of SIRC.

The Chair added that SIRC’s review will help to address any outstanding questions about the Service’s role in this matter, and that it is necessary because SIRC is the only independent, external body with the legal mandate and expertise to review CSIS’s activities. “Parliament and the people of Canada must have confidence that the Service is carrying out its duties and functions appropriately, effectively and in accordance with the law,” said Mr. Filmon, “and this review will help to illuminate these issues in respect to Mr. Khadr.”

Mr. Filmon said that he expects the review to be completed in early Spring, 2009. Appropriate steps will be taken to release as much information as possible to the public at that time.

Attachment:

1. SIRC’s Role and Responsibilities

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For further information about SIRC, please contact:
Susan Pollak
Executive Director
(613) 990-8442
or consult http://www.sirc-csars.gc.ca