The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians launches a review on the collection of foreign intelligence

Ottawa, June 11, 2026 — The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) today announces a review of Canada’s framework for the collection of foreign intelligence, pursuant to section 8(1)(a) of the NSICOP Act.

The review will examine the effectiveness of ongoing foreign intelligence collection efforts within the scope of the current statutory authorities and operational mandates. It will also examine whether and where any gaps in foreign intelligence collection may exist.

Background

NSICOP was established in 2017 under the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act. It may review:

• the legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative and financial framework for national security and intelligence;
• any activity carried out by a department that relates to national security or intelligence, unless the activity is an ongoing operation and the appropriate Minister determines that the review would be injurious to national security; and,
• any matter relating to national security or intelligence that a minister of the Crown refers to the Committee.

NSICOP members hold the highest level of security clearance, are bound by the Foreign Interference and Security of Information Act and meet in private.