The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians initiates special review

Ottawa, April 9, 2018 /CNW/ — The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) is conducting a special review of the allegations that have been raised in the context of the Prime Minister's trip to India in February 2018, specifically those relating to foreign interference in Canadian political affairs, risks to the security of the Prime Minister, and inappropriate use of intelligence. In doing so, the Committee considered the Senate of Canada's amended motion from March 28, 2018 stating that NSICOP may be an appropriate forum to review the security and intelligence operating procedures in relation to diplomatic and foreign visits involving the Government of Canada.

These are serious issues which could have important implications for Canada's national security and sovereignty. An examination of the decisions and actions of security and intelligence organizations and officials falls within the purview of NSICOP's mandate.

The Chair of NSICOP, the Honourable David McGuinty, has notified the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of the Committee's review. In accordance with section 21(2) of the NSICOP Act, the Committee will provide the Prime Minister and his Ministers with a special report by the end of May. An unclassified version of the report must be tabled in both Houses of Parliament.

Background

The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians has a broad mandate to review Canada's legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative, and financial framework for national security and intelligence. It may also review any activity carried out by a department that relates to national security or intelligence, and review any matter relating to national security or intelligence that a minister of the Crown refers to the Committee.

The Committee is composed of members from both houses of Parliament and all recognized political parties. All members hold the highest level of security clearance and are bound by the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act. As such, they will be able to receive classified briefings and materials related to the matter. Because of its access to sensitive and classified information and briefings, meetings of the Committee are held in private.