Review of the Collaboration Between the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF): Notification Letter

The Honourable David J. McGuinty, P.C., M.P

Minister

National Defence

Subject: Notification of NSIRA’s Review of the Collaboration Between the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)

Dear Minister McGuinty,

I am writing on behalf of the Members of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) to inform you that NSIRA has initiated a review of the collaboration between the Communications Security Establishment (CSE) and the Department of National Defence (DND)/Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

This review is being conducted pursuant to paragraph 8(1)(a) of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency Act (NSIRA Act). The NSIRA Act grants NSIRA full and timely access to all information held by reviewed departments and agencies, including classified and privileged information, with the exception of Cabinet confidences.

NSIRA will review select aspects of the collaboration between CSE and DND/CAF, and assess implicated activities for compliance with applicable authorities, including legislation and ministerial direction. The review may assess both the parameters of this collaboration – including its governance framework – as well as specific operational activities, as necessary.

NSIRA will engage with your officials regarding this review. As the review progresses, NSIRA’s review team will be in regular contact with them with requests for information. Such requests may involve documents, system access, written explanations, briefings, interviews, surveys, and any other information that NSIRA determines to be of relevance to this review. This review may also include independent inspections of some technical systems. As part of the review process, NSIRA will seek and receive responses to any recommendations included in its report. NSIRA’s expectations for responsiveness are available online at https://nsira-ossnr.gc.ca.

I thank you in advance for your cooperation and support to the independent review process, which is key to transparency and democratic accountability.

Sincerely, 

The Honourable Marie Deschamps, C.C. 
Chair, National Security and Intelligence Review Agency