The “New” CSIS
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- Published on Thursday, 13 October 2016 15:00
- Written by editor
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Dear friends,
While a democracy can incorporate the need for secret intelligence, there is no place in a democracy for a secret police. Full stop.
Bill C-51 (the Anti-terrorism Act 2015) gave CSIS new powers beyond collecting intelligence.
In blog #3 in our National Security Consultation series I delve into the new CSIS disruption powers and what they mean for the rule of law and human rights.
The blog on the new CSIS powers is up, read it here.
Prior to this change, CSIS would gather and provide security intelligence information to the rest of government and the police had the ability to physically act on the basis of that information.
Giving “disruption” powers to CSIS has radically altered its role in the national security system and upended the balance between security intelligence and law enforcement, blurring the line between spying and policing.
Or, go here to see all the blogs in the series as it unfolds.
The recent expansion of CSIS powers is unprincipled, dangerous and unnecessary.
Over the past decade we have seen the effects of an approach to national security that at best, privileges bare legality, and at worst, descends into illegality.
We need to take this opportunity to make our voices heard. I hope this blog series will help you to understand the issues being considered as part of the federal National Security Consultation. Don't forget to participate in the consultation by December 1st.
We'll have another blog in the series ready for you shortly.
Talk soon,
Micheal Vonn, Policy Director
and the BCCLA team
r0
