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Version of document from 2019-07-12 to 2019-07-12:

Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act

R.S.C., 1985, c. C-23

An Act to establish the Canadian Security Intelligence Service

Preamble

Whereas the protection of Canada’s national security and of the security of Canadians is a fundamental responsibility of the Government of Canada;

Whereas it is essential, to discharge that responsibility, for Canada to have a civilian intelligence service;

Whereas it is important that the civilian intelligence service perform its duties and functions in accordance with the rule of law and in a manner that respects the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;

And whereas the Government of Canada, by carrying out its national security and information activities in a manner that respects rights and freedoms, encourages the international community to do the same;

  • 2019, c. 13, s. 92

Short Title

Marginal note:Short title

 This Act may be cited as the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 1

Interpretation

Marginal note:Definitions

 In this Act,

bodily harm

bodily harm has the same meaning as in section 2 of the Criminal Code; (lésions corporelles)

Commissioner

Commissioner means the Intelligence Commissioner appointed under subsection 4(1) of the Intelligence Commissioner Act; (commissaire)

Convention Against Torture

Convention Against Torture means the Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, signed at New York on December 10, 1984; (Convention contre la torture)

department

department, in relation to the government of Canada or of a province, includes

  • (a) any portion of a department of the Government of Canada or of the province, and

  • (b) any Ministry of State, institution or other body of the Government of Canada or of the province or any portion thereof; (ministère)

Deputy Minister

Deputy Minister means the Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness and includes any person acting for or on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; (sous-ministre)

Director

Director means the Director of the Service; (directeur)

employee

employee means a person who is appointed as an employee of the Service pursuant to subsection 8(1) or has become an employee of the Service pursuant to subsection 66(1) of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, chapter 21 of the Statutes of Canada, 1984, and includes a person who is attached or seconded to the Service as an employee; (employé)

foreign state

foreign state means any state other than Canada; (État étranger)

human source

human source means an individual who, after having received a promise of confidentiality, has provided, provides or is likely to provide information to the Service; (source humaine)

Inspector General

Inspector General[Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 378]

intercept

intercept has the same meaning as in section 183 of the Criminal Code; (intercepter)

judge

judge means a judge of the Federal Court designated by the Chief Justice thereof for the purposes of this Act; (juge)

Minister

Minister means the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness; (ministre)

place

place includes any conveyance; (lieux)

Review Agency

Review Agency means the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency; (Office de surveillance)

Review Committee

Review Committee[Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 21]

security assessment

security assessment means an appraisal of the loyalty to Canada and, so far as it relates thereto, the reliability of an individual; (évaluation de sécurité)

Service

Service means the Canadian Security Intelligence Service established by subsection 3(1); (Service)

threats to the security of Canada

threats to the security of Canada means

  • (a) espionage or sabotage that is against Canada or is detrimental to the interests of Canada or activities directed toward or in support of such espionage or sabotage,

  • (b) foreign influenced activities within or relating to Canada that are detrimental to the interests of Canada and are clandestine or deceptive or involve a threat to any person,

  • (c) activities within or relating to Canada directed toward or in support of the threat or use of acts of serious violence against persons or property for the purpose of achieving a political, religious or ideological objective within Canada or a foreign state, and

  • (d) activities directed toward undermining by covert unlawful acts, or directed toward or intended ultimately to lead to the destruction or overthrow by violence of, the constitutionally established system of government in Canada,

but does not include lawful advocacy, protest or dissent, unless carried on in conjunction with any of the activities referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d). (menaces envers la sécurité du Canada)

PART ICanadian Security Intelligence Service

Establishment of Service

Marginal note:Establishment of Service

  •  (1) The Canadian Security Intelligence Service is hereby established, consisting of the Director and employees of the Service.

  • Marginal note:Principal office

    (2) The principal office of the Service shall be in the National Capital Region described in the schedule to the National Capital Act.

  • Marginal note:Other offices

    (3) The Director may, with the approval of the Minister, establish other offices of the Service elsewhere in Canada.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 3

Director

Marginal note:Appointment

  •  (1) The Governor in Council shall appoint the Director of the Service.

  • Marginal note:Term of office

    (2) The Director shall be appointed to hold office during pleasure for a term not exceeding five years.

  • Marginal note:Re-appointment

    (3) Subject to subsection (4), the Director is eligible, on the expiration of a first or any subsequent term of office, to be re-appointed for a further term not exceeding five years.

  • Marginal note:Limitation

    (4) No person shall hold office as Director for terms exceeding ten years in the aggregate.

  • Marginal note:Absence or incapacity

    (5) In the event of the absence or incapacity of the Director, or if the office of Director is vacant, the Governor in Council may appoint another person to hold office instead of the Director for a term not exceeding six months, and that person shall, while holding that office, have all of the powers, duties and functions of the Director under this Act or any other Act of Parliament and be paid such salary or other remuneration and expenses as may be fixed by the Governor in Council.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 4

Marginal note:Salary and expenses

  •  (1) The Director is entitled to be paid a salary to be fixed by the Governor in Council and shall be paid reasonable travel and living expenses incurred by the Director in the performance of duties and functions under this Act.

  • Marginal note:Pension benefits

    (2) The provisions of the Public Service Superannuation Act, other than those relating to tenure of office, apply to the Director, except that a person appointed as Director from outside the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation Act, may, by notice in writing given to the President of the Treasury Board not more than sixty days after the date of appointment, elect to participate in the pension plan provided by the Diplomatic Service (Special) Superannuation Act, in which case the provisions of that Act, other than those relating to tenure of office, apply to the Director from the date of appointment and the provisions of the Public Service Superannuation Act do not apply.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 5
  • 2003, c. 22, s. 225(E)

Management of Service

Marginal note:Role of Director

  •  (1) The Director, under the direction of the Minister, has the control and management of the Service and all matters connected therewith.

  • Marginal note:Minister may issue directions

    (2) In providing the direction referred to in subsection (1), the Minister may issue to the Director written directions with respect to the Service and a copy of any such direction shall, forthwith after it is issued, be given to the Review Agency.

  • Marginal note:Directions deemed not to be statutory instruments

    (3) Directions issued by the Minister under subsection (2) shall be deemed not to be statutory instruments for the purposes of the Statutory Instruments Act.

  • Marginal note:Periodic reports by Director

    (4) The Director shall, in relation to every 12-month period or any lesser period that is specified by the Minister, submit to the Minister, at any times that the Minister specifies, reports with respect to the Service’s operational activities during that period, and shall cause the Review Agency to be given a copy of each such report.

  • Marginal note:Measures to reduce threats to the security of Canada

    (5) The reports shall include, among other things, the following information in respect of the Service’s operational activities, during the period for which the report is made, to reduce threats to the security of Canada:

    • (a) for each of the paragraphs of the definition threats to the security of Canada in section 2, a general description of the measures that were taken during the period in respect of the threat within the meaning of that paragraph and the number of those measures;

    • (b) the number of warrants issued under subsection 21.1(3) during the period and the number of applications for warrants made under subsection 21.1(1) that were refused during the period; and

    • (c) for each threat to the security of Canada for which warrants have been issued under subsection 21.1(3) before or during the period, a general description of the measures that were taken under the warrants during the period.

  • Marginal note:Justification

    (6) The reports shall also include

    • (a) a general description of the information and intelligence collection activities in the context of which employees designated under subsection 20.1(6) or (8) committed acts or omissions that would otherwise constitute offences;

    • (b) a general description of those acts or omissions;

    • (c) the information referred to in paragraphs 20.1(24)(a) to (e); and

    • (d) information on the training received by employees designated under subsection 20.1(6) or (8) and by senior employees designated under subsection 20.1(7).

Marginal note:Consultation with Deputy Minister

  •  (1) The Director shall consult the Deputy Minister on

    • (a) the general operational policies of the Service; and

    • (b) any matter with respect to which consultation is required by directions issued under subsection 6(2).

  • Marginal note:Consultation with Deputy Minister — warrant

    (2) The Director or any employee who is designated by the Minister for the purpose of applying for a warrant under section 21, 21.1 or 23 shall consult the Deputy Minister before applying for the warrant or the renewal of the warrant.

  • Marginal note:Advice by Deputy Minister

    (3) The Deputy Minister shall advise the Minister with respect to directions issued under subsection 6(2) or that should, in the opinion of the Deputy Minister, be issued under that subsection.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 7
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 41

Marginal note:Powers and functions of Director

  •  (1) Notwithstanding the Financial Administration Act and the Public Service Employment Act, the Director has exclusive authority to appoint employees and, in relation to the human resources management of employees, other than persons attached or seconded to the Service as employees,

    • (a) to provide for the terms and conditions of their employment; and

    • (b) subject to the regulations,

      • (i) to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the Treasury Board relating to human resources management under the Financial Administration Act, and

      • (ii) to exercise the powers and perform the functions assigned to the Public Service Commission by or pursuant to the Public Service Employment Act.

  • Marginal note:Discipline and grievances of employees

    (2) Notwithstanding the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act but subject to subsection (3) and the regulations, the Director may establish procedures respecting the conduct and discipline of, and the presentation, consideration and adjudication of grievances in relation to, employees, other than persons attached or seconded to the Service as employees.

  • Marginal note:Adjudication of employee grievances

    (3) When a grievance is referred to adjudication, the adjudication shall not be heard or determined by any person, other than a full-time member of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board referred to in subsection 4(1) of the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations and Employment Board Act.

  • Marginal note:Regulations

    (4) The Governor in Council may make regulations

    • (a) governing the exercise of the powers and the performance of the duties and functions of the Director referred to in subsection (1); and

    • (b) in relation to employees to whom subsection (2) applies, governing their conduct and discipline and the presentation, consideration and adjudication of grievances.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 8
  • 2003, c. 22, ss. 143, 234
  • 2013, c. 40, s. 449
  • 2017, c. 9, ss. 42, 55

Marginal note:Process for resolution of disputes of support staff

  •  (1) Notwithstanding the Federal Public Sector Labour Relations Act,

    • (a) the process for resolution of a dispute applicable to employees of the Service in a bargaining unit determined for the purposes of that Act is by the referral of the dispute to arbitration; and

    • (b) the process for resolution of a dispute referred to in paragraph (a) shall not be altered pursuant to that Act.

  • Marginal note:Public Service Superannuation Act

    (2) Employees of the Service shall be deemed to be employed in the public service for the purposes of the Public Service Superannuation Act.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 9
  • 2003, c. 22, ss. 144(E), 225(E)
  • 2017, c. 9, s. 55

 [Repealed, 2003, c. 22, s. 145]

Marginal note:Oaths

 The Director and every employee shall, before commencing the duties of office, take an oath of allegiance and the oaths set out in the schedule.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 10

Marginal note:Certificate

 A certificate purporting to be issued by or under the authority of the Director and stating that the person to whom it is issued is an employee or is a person, or a person included in a class of persons, to whom a warrant issued under section 21 or 23 is directed is evidence of the statements contained therein and is admissible in evidence without proof of the signature or official character of the person purporting to have issued it.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 11

Duties and Functions of Service

Marginal note:Collection, analysis and retention

  •  (1) The Service shall collect, by investigation or otherwise, to the extent that it is strictly necessary, and analyse and retain information and intelligence respecting activities that may on reasonable grounds be suspected of constituting threats to the security of Canada and, in relation thereto, shall report to and advise the Government of Canada.

  • Marginal note:No territorial limit

    (2) For greater certainty, the Service may perform its duties and functions under subsection (1) within or outside Canada.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 12
  • 2015, c. 9, s. 3

Marginal note:Measures to reduce threats to the security of Canada

  •  (1) If there are reasonable grounds to believe that a particular activity constitutes a threat to the security of Canada, the Service may take measures, within or outside Canada, to reduce the threat.

  • Marginal note:Limits

    (2) The measures shall be reasonable and proportional in the circumstances, having regard to the nature of the threat, the nature of the measures, the reasonable availability of other means to reduce the threat and the reasonably foreseeable effects on third parties, including on their right to privacy.

  • Marginal note:Alternatives

    (3) Before taking measures under subsection (1), the Service shall consult, as appropriate, with other federal departments or agencies as to whether they are in a position to reduce the threat.

  • Marginal note:Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    (3.1) The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms is part of the supreme law of Canada and all measures taken by the Service under subsection (1) shall comply with it.

  • Marginal note:Warrant — Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

    (3.2) The Service may take measures under subsection (1) that would limit a right or freedom guaranteed by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms only if a judge, on an application made under section 21.1, issues a warrant authorizing the taking of those measures.

  • Marginal note:Condition for issuance

    (3.3) The judge may issue the warrant referred to in subsection (3.2) only if he or she is satisfied that the measures, as authorized by the warrant, comply with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

  • Marginal note:Warrant — Canadian law

    (3.4) The Service may take measures under subsection (1) that would otherwise be contrary to Canadian law only if the measures have been authorized by a warrant issued under section 21.1.

  • Marginal note:Notification of Review Agency

    (3.5) The Service shall, after taking measures under subsection (1), notify the Review Agency of the measures as soon as the circumstances permit.

  • Marginal note:Clarification

    (4) For greater certainty, nothing in subsection (1) confers on the Service any law enforcement power.

Marginal note:Prohibited conduct

  •  (1) In taking measures to reduce a threat to the security of Canada, the Service shall not

    • (a) cause, intentionally or by criminal negligence, death or bodily harm to an individual;

    • (b) wilfully attempt in any manner to obstruct, pervert or defeat the course of justice;

    • (c) violate the sexual integrity of an individual;

    • (d) subject an individual to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, within the meaning of the Convention Against Torture;

    • (e) detain an individual; or

    • (f) cause the loss of, or any serious damage to, any property if doing so would endanger the safety of an individual.

  • (2) [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 99]

Marginal note:Security assessments

  •  (1) The Service may provide security assessments to departments of the Government of Canada.

  • Marginal note:Arrangements with provinces

    (2) The Service may, with the approval of the Minister, enter into an arrangement with

    • (a) the government of a province or any department thereof, or

    • (b) any police force in a province, with the approval of the Minister responsible for policing in the province,

    authorizing the Service to provide security assessments.

  • Marginal note:Arrangements with foreign states

    (3) The Service may, with the approval of the Minister after consultation by the Minister with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, enter into an arrangement with the government of a foreign state or an institution thereof or an international organization of states or an institution thereof authorizing the Service to provide the government, institution or organization with security assessments.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 13
  • 1995, c. 5, s. 25

Marginal note:Advice to Ministers

 The Service may

  • (a) advise any minister of the Crown on matters relating to the security of Canada, or

  • (b) provide any minister of the Crown with information relating to security matters or criminal activities,

that is relevant to the exercise of any power or the performance of any duty or function by that Minister under the Citizenship Act or the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 14
  • 2001, c. 27, s. 223

Marginal note:Investigations

  •  (1) The Service may conduct such investigations as are required for the purpose of providing security assessments pursuant to section 13 or advice pursuant to section 14.

  • Marginal note:No territorial limit

    (2) For greater certainty, the Service may conduct the investigations referred to in subsection (1) within or outside Canada.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 15
  • 2015, c. 9, s. 4

Marginal note:Collection of information concerning foreign states and persons

  •  (1) Subject to this section, the Service may, in relation to the defence of Canada or the conduct of the international affairs of Canada, assist the Minister of National Defence or the Minister of Foreign Affairs, within Canada, in the collection of information or intelligence relating to the capabilities, intentions or activities of

    • (a) any foreign state or group of foreign states; or

    • (b) any person other than

      • (i) a Canadian citizen,

      • (ii) a permanent resident within the meaning of subsection 2(1) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, or

      • (iii) a corporation incorporated by or under an Act of Parliament or of the legislature of a province.

  • Marginal note:Limitation

    (2) The assistance provided pursuant to subsection (1) shall not be directed at any person referred to in subparagraph (1)(b)(i), (ii) or (iii).

  • Marginal note:Personal consent of Ministers required

    (3) The Service shall not perform its duties and functions under subsection (1) unless it does so

    • (a) on the personal request in writing of the Minister of National Defence or the Minister of Foreign Affairs; and

    • (b) with the personal consent in writing of the Minister.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 16
  • 1995, c. 5, s. 25
  • 2001, c. 27, s. 224
  • 2015, c. 3, s. 34(F), c. 9, s. 5(F)

Marginal note:Cooperation

  •  (1) For the purpose of performing its duties and functions under this Act, the Service may,

    • (a) with the approval of the Minister, enter into an arrangement or otherwise cooperate with

      • (i) any department of the Government of Canada or the government of a province or any department thereof, or

      • (ii) any police force in a province, with the approval of the Minister responsible for policing in the province; or

    • (b) with the approval of the Minister after consultation by the Minister with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, enter into an arrangement or otherwise cooperate with the government of a foreign state or an institution thereof or an international organization of states or an institution thereof.

  • Marginal note:Copies of arrangements to Review Agency

    (2) Where a written arrangement is entered into pursuant to subsection (1) or subsection 13(2) or (3), a copy thereof shall be given forthwith to the Review Agency.

Marginal note:Offence to disclose identity

  •  (1) Subject to subsection (2), no person shall knowingly disclose any information that they obtained or to which they had access in the course of the performance of their duties and functions under this Act or their participation in the administration or enforcement of this Act and from which could be inferred the identity of an employee who was, is or is likely to become engaged in covert operational activities of the Service or the identity of a person who was an employee engaged in such activities.

  • Marginal note:Exceptions

    (2) A person may disclose information referred to in subsection (1) for the purposes of the performance of duties and functions under this Act or any other Act of Parliament or the administration or enforcement of this Act or as required by any other law or in the circumstances described in any of paragraphs 19(2)(a) to (d).

  • Marginal note:Offence

    (3) Every one who contravenes subsection (1)

    • (a) is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years; or

    • (b) is guilty of an offence punishable on summary conviction.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 18
  • 2015, c. 9, s. 6

Marginal note:Purpose of section — human sources

  •  (1) The purpose of this section is to ensure that the identity of human sources is kept confidential in order to protect their life and security and to encourage individuals to provide information to the Service.

  • Marginal note:Prohibition on disclosure

    (2) Subject to subsections (3) and (8), no person shall, in a proceeding before a court, person or body with jurisdiction to compel the production of information, disclose the identity of a human source or any information from which the identity of a human source could be inferred.

  • Marginal note:Exception — consent

    (3) The identity of a human source or information from which the identity of a human source could be inferred may be disclosed in a proceeding referred to in subsection (2) if the human source and the Director consent to the disclosure of that information.

  • Marginal note:Application to judge

    (4) A party to a proceeding referred to in subsection (2), an amicus curiae who is appointed in respect of the proceeding or a person who is appointed to act as a special advocate if the proceeding is under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act may apply to a judge for one of the following orders if it is relevant to the proceeding:

    • (a) an order declaring that an individual is not a human source or that information is not information from which the identity of a human source could be inferred; or

    • (b) if the proceeding is a prosecution of an offence, an order declaring that the disclosure of the identity of a human source or information from which the identity of a human source could be inferred is essential to establish the accused’s innocence and that it may be disclosed in the proceeding.

  • Marginal note:Contents and service of application

    (5) The application and the applicant’s affidavit deposing to the facts relied on in support of the application shall be filed in the Registry of the Federal Court. The applicant shall, without delay after the application and affidavit are filed, serve a copy of them on the Attorney General of Canada.

  • Marginal note:Attorney General of Canada

    (6) Once served, the Attorney General of Canada is deemed to be a party to the application.

  • Marginal note:Hearing

    (7) The hearing of the application shall be held in private and in the absence of the applicant and their counsel, unless the judge orders otherwise.

  • Marginal note:Order — disclosure to establish innocence

    (8) If the judge grants an application made under paragraph (4)(b), the judge may order the disclosure that the judge considers appropriate subject to any conditions that the judge specifies.

  • Marginal note:Effective date of order

    (9) If the judge grants an application made under subsection (4), any order made by the judge does not take effect until the time provided to appeal the order has expired or, if the order is appealed and is confirmed, until either the time provided to appeal the judgement confirming the order has expired or all rights of appeal have been exhausted.

  • Marginal note:Confidentiality

    (10) The judge shall ensure the confidentiality of the following:

    • (a) the identity of any human source and any information from which the identity of a human source could be inferred; and

    • (b) information and other evidence provided in respect of the application if, in the judge’s opinion, its disclosure would be injurious to national security or endanger the safety of any person.

  • Marginal note:Confidentiality on appeal

    (11) In the case of an appeal, subsection (10) applies, with any necessary modifications, to the court to which the appeal is taken.

  • 2015, c. 9, s. 7

Marginal note:Exemption — employees

  •  (1) No employee is guilty of an offence by reason only that the employee, in the course of their duties and functions and for the sole purpose of establishing or maintaining a covert identity, makes a false statement with respect to a covert identity or makes, procures to be made, requests, possesses, uses or transfers a false document or acts on or authenticates a false document as if it were genuine.

  • Marginal note:Exemption — other persons

    (2) No person is guilty of an offence by reason only that the person, under the direction of an employee and for the sole purpose of establishing or maintaining a covert identity, makes a false statement with respect to a covert identity or makes, procures to be made, requests, possesses, uses or transfers a false document or acts on or authenticates a false document as if it were genuine.

  • Marginal note:Exemption — section 368.1 of Criminal Code

    (3) No employee is guilty of an offence under section 368.1 of the Criminal Code if the acts alleged to constitute the offence were committed by the employee in the course of their duties and functions and for the sole purpose of establishing or maintaining a covert identity.

  • Marginal note:Definition of false document

    (4) In subsections (1) and (2), false document has the same meaning as in section 321 of the Criminal Code.

Marginal note:Authorized disclosure of information

  •  (1) Information obtained in the performance of the duties and functions of the Service under this Act shall not be disclosed by the Service except in accordance with this section.

  • Marginal note:Idem

    (2) The Service may disclose information referred to in subsection (1) for the purposes of the performance of its duties and functions under this Act or the administration or enforcement of this Act or as required by any other law and may also disclose such information,

    • (a) where the information may be used in the investigation or prosecution of an alleged contravention of any law of Canada or a province, to a peace officer having jurisdiction to investigate the alleged contravention and to the Attorney General of Canada and the Attorney General of the province in which proceedings in respect of the alleged contravention may be taken;

    • (b) where the information relates to the conduct of the international affairs of Canada, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs or a person designated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs for the purpose;

    • (c) where the information is relevant to the defence of Canada, to the Minister of National Defence or a person designated by the Minister of National Defence for the purpose; or

    • (d) where, in the opinion of the Minister, disclosure of the information to any minister of the Crown or person in the federal public administration is essential in the public interest and that interest clearly outweighs any invasion of privacy that could result from the disclosure, to that minister or person.

  • Marginal note:Report to Review Agency

    (3) The Director shall, as soon as practicable after a disclosure referred to in paragraph (2)(d) is made, submit a report to the Review Agency with respect to the disclosure.

Marginal note:Protection of employees

  •  (1) The Director and employees have, in performing the duties and functions of the Service under this Act, the same protection under the law as peace officers have in performing their duties and functions as peace officers.

  • Marginal note:Unlawful conduct

    (2) If the Director is of the opinion that an employee may, on a particular occasion, have acted unlawfully in the purported performance of the duties and functions of the Service under this Act, the Director shall cause to be submitted a report in respect thereof to the Minister.

  • Marginal note:Report and comments to Attorney General of Canada

    (3) The Minister shall cause to be given to the Attorney General of Canada a copy of any report that he receives pursuant to subsection (2), together with any comment that he considers appropriate in the circumstances.

  • Marginal note:Copies to Review Agency

    (4) A copy of anything given to the Attorney General of Canada pursuant to subsection (3) shall be given forthwith to the Review Agency.

PART IIJudicial Control

Marginal note:Application for warrant

  •  (1) If the Director or any employee designated by the Minister for the purpose believes, on reasonable grounds, that a warrant under this section is required to enable the Service to investigate, within or outside Canada, a threat to the security of Canada or to perform its duties and functions under section 16, the Director or employee may, after having obtained the Minister’s approval, make an application in accordance with subsection (2) to a judge for a warrant under this section.

  • Marginal note:Matters to be specified in application for warrant

    (2) An application to a judge under subsection (1) shall be made in writing and be accompanied by an affidavit of the applicant deposing to the following matters, namely,

    • (a) the facts relied on to justify the belief, on reasonable grounds, that a warrant under this section is required to enable the Service to investigate a threat to the security of Canada or to perform its duties and functions under section 16;

    • (b) that other investigative procedures have been tried and have failed or why it appears that they are unlikely to succeed, that the urgency of the matter is such that it would be impractical to carry out the investigation using only other investigative procedures or that without a warrant under this section it is likely that information of importance with respect to the threat to the security of Canada or the performance of the duties and functions under section 16 referred to in paragraph (a) would not be obtained;

    • (c) the type of communication proposed to be intercepted, the type of information, records, documents or things proposed to be obtained and the powers referred to in paragraphs (3)(a) to (c) proposed to be exercised for that purpose;

    • (d) the identity of the person, if known, whose communication is proposed to be intercepted or who has possession of the information, record, document or thing proposed to be obtained;

    • (e) the persons or classes of persons to whom the warrant is proposed to be directed;

    • (f) a general description of the place where the warrant is proposed to be executed, if a general description of that place can be given;

    • (g) the period, not exceeding sixty days or one year, as the case may be, for which the warrant is requested to be in force that is applicable by virtue of subsection (5); and

    • (h) any previous application made under subsection (1) in relation to a person who is identified in the affidavit in accordance with paragraph (d), the date on which each such application was made, the name of the judge to whom it was made and the judge’s decision on it.

  • Marginal note:Issuance of warrant

    (3) Notwithstanding any other law but subject to the Statistics Act, where the judge to whom an application under subsection (1) is made is satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) and (b) set out in the affidavit accompanying the application, the judge may issue a warrant authorizing the persons to whom it is directed to intercept any communication or obtain any information, record, document or thing and, for that purpose,

    • (a) to enter any place or open or obtain access to any thing;

    • (b) to search for, remove or return, or examine, take extracts from or make copies of or record in any other manner the information, record, document or thing; or

    • (c) to install, maintain or remove any thing.

  • Marginal note:Activities outside Canada

    (3.1) Without regard to any other law, including that of any foreign state, a judge may, in a warrant issued under subsection (3), authorize activities outside Canada to enable the Service to investigate a threat to the security of Canada.

  • Marginal note:Matters to be specified in warrant

    (4) There shall be specified in a warrant issued under subsection (3)

    • (a) the type of communication authorized to be intercepted, the type of information, records, documents or things authorized to be obtained and the powers referred to in paragraphs (3)(a) to (c) authorized to be exercised for that purpose;

    • (b) the identity of the person, if known, whose communication is to be intercepted or who has possession of the information, record, document or thing to be obtained;

    • (c) the persons or classes of persons to whom the warrant is directed;

    • (d) a general description of the place where the warrant may be executed, if a general description of that place can be given;

    • (e) the period for which the warrant is in force; and

    • (f) such terms and conditions as the judge considers advisable in the public interest.

  • Marginal note:Maximum duration of warrant

    (5) A warrant shall not be issued under subsection (3) for a period exceeding

    • (a) sixty days where the warrant is issued to enable the Service to investigate a threat to the security of Canada within the meaning of paragraph (d) of the definition of that expression in section 2; or

    • (b) one year in any other case.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 21
  • 2015, c. 9, s. 8, c. 20, s. 43

Marginal note:Application for warrant — measures to reduce threats to security of Canada

  •  (1) If the Director or any employee who is designated by the Minister for the purpose believes on reasonable grounds that a warrant under this section is required to enable the Service to take measures referred to in subsection (1.1), within or outside Canada, to reduce a threat to the security of Canada, the Director or employee may, after having obtained the Minister’s approval, make an application in accordance with subsection (2) to a judge for a warrant under this section.

  • Marginal note:Measures

    (1.1) For the purpose of subsection (1), the measures are the following:

    • (a) altering, removing, replacing, destroying, disrupting or degrading a communication or means of communication;

    • (b) altering, removing, replacing, destroying, degrading or providing — or interfering with the use or delivery of — any thing or part of a thing, including records, documents, goods, components and equipment;

    • (c) fabricating or disseminating any information, record or document;

    • (d) making or attempting to make, directly or indirectly, any financial transaction that involves or purports to involve currency or a monetary instrument;

    • (e) interrupting or redirecting, directly or indirectly, any financial transaction that involves currency or a monetary instrument;

    • (f) interfering with the movement of any person, excluding the detention of an individual; and

    • (g) personating a person, other than a police officer, in order to take a measure referred to in any of paragraphs (a) to (f).

  • Marginal note:Matters to be specified in application

    (2) An application to a judge under subsection (1) shall be made in writing and be accompanied by the applicant’s affidavit deposing to the following matters:

    • (a) the facts relied on to justify the belief on reasonable grounds that a warrant under this section is required to enable the Service to take measures to reduce a threat to the security of Canada;

    • (b) the measures proposed to be taken;

    • (c) the reasonableness and proportionality, in the circumstances, of the proposed measures, having regard to the nature of the threat, the nature of the measures, the reasonable availability of other means to reduce the threat and the reasonably foreseeable effects on third parties, including on their right to privacy;

    • (d) the identity of the persons, if known, who are directly affected by the proposed measures;

    • (e) the persons or classes of persons to whom the warrant is proposed to be directed;

    • (f) a general description of the place where the warrant is proposed to be executed, if a general description of that place can be given;

    • (g) the period, not exceeding 60 days or 120 days, as the case may be, for which the warrant is requested to be in force that is applicable by virtue of subsection (6); and

    • (h) any previous application made under subsection (1) in relation to a person who is identified in the affidavit in accordance with paragraph (d), the date on which each such application was made, the name of the judge to whom it was made and the judge’s decision on it.

  • Marginal note:Issuance of warrant

    (3) Despite any other law but subject to the Statistics Act, if the judge to whom an application under subsection (1) is made is satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraphs (2)(a) and (c) that are set out in the affidavit accompanying the application, the judge may issue a warrant authorizing the persons to whom it is directed to take the measures specified in it and, for that purpose,

    • (a) to enter any place or open or obtain access to any thing;

    • (b) to search for, remove or return, or examine, take extracts from or make copies of or record in any other manner the information, record, document or thing;

    • (c) to install, maintain or remove any thing; or

    • (d) to do any other thing that is reasonably necessary to take those measures.

  • Marginal note:Measures taken outside Canada

    (4) Without regard to any other law, including that of any foreign state, a judge may, in a warrant issued under subsection (3), authorize the measures specified in it to be taken outside Canada.

  • Marginal note:Matters to be specified in warrant

    (5) There shall be specified in a warrant issued under subsection (3)

    • (a) the measures authorized to be taken;

    • (b) the identity of the persons, if known, who are directly affected by the measures;

    • (c) the persons or classes of persons to whom the warrant is directed;

    • (d) a general description of the place where the warrant may be executed, if a general description of that place can be given;

    • (e) the period for which the warrant is in force; and

    • (f) any terms and conditions that the judge considers advisable in the public interest.

  • Marginal note:Maximum duration of warrant

    (6) A warrant shall not be issued under subsection (3) for a period exceeding

    • (a) 60 days if the warrant is issued to enable the Service to take measures to reduce a threat to the security of Canada within the meaning of paragraph (d) of the definition threats to the security of Canada in section 2; or

    • (b) 120 days in any other case.

Marginal note:Renewal of warrant

 On application in writing to a judge for the renewal of a warrant issued under subsection 21(3) made by a person entitled to apply for such a warrant after having obtained the approval of the Minister, the judge may, from time to time, renew the warrant for a period not exceeding the period for which the warrant may be issued pursuant to subsection 21(5) if satisfied by evidence on oath that

  • (a) the warrant continues to be required to enable the Service to investigate a threat to the security of Canada or to perform its duties and functions under section 16; and

  • (b) any of the matters referred to in paragraph 21(2)(b) are applicable in the circumstances.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 22

Marginal note:Renewal of warrant — measures to reduce threats to the security of Canada

  •  (1) On application in writing to a judge for the renewal of a warrant issued under subsection 21.1(3) made by a person who is entitled, after having obtained the Minister’s approval, to apply for such a warrant and who believes on reasonable grounds that the warrant continues to be required to enable the Service to take the measures specified in it to reduce a threat to the security of Canada, the judge may renew the warrant if the judge is satisfied by evidence on oath of the following matters:

    • (a) the facts relied on to justify the belief on reasonable grounds that the warrant continues to be required to enable the Service to take the measures specified in it to reduce a threat to the security of Canada; and

    • (b) the continued reasonableness and proportionality, in the circumstances, of the measures specified in the warrant, having regard to the nature of the threat, the nature of the measures, the reasonable availability of other means to reduce the threat and the reasonably foreseeable effects on third parties, including on their right to privacy.

  • Marginal note:Limits on renewal

    (2) A warrant issued under subsection 21.1(3) may be renewed only twice, with each renewal being for a period not exceeding the period for which it may be issued under subsection 21.1(6).

Marginal note:Limits on execution of warrant

 A person to whom — or a person who is included in a class of persons to whom — a warrant issued under section 21.1 is directed may take the measures specified in it only if, at the time that they take them, they believe on reasonable grounds that the measures are reasonable and proportional in the circumstances, having regard to the nature of the threat to the security of Canada, the nature of the measures, the reasonable availability of other means to reduce the threat and the reasonably foreseeable effects on third parties, including on their right to privacy.

Marginal note:Assistance order

  •  (1) A judge may order any person to provide assistance if the person’s assistance may reasonably be considered to be required to give effect to a warrant issued under section 21 or 21.1.

  • Marginal note:Confidentiality

    (2) The judge may include in the order any measure that the judge considers necessary in the public interest to ensure the confidentiality of the order, including the identity of any person who is required to provide assistance under the order and any other information concerning the provision of the assistance.

  • 2015, c. 20, s. 45

Marginal note:Warrant authorizing removal

  •  (1) On application in writing by the Director or any employee who is designated by the Minister for the purpose, a judge may, if the judge thinks fit, issue a warrant authorizing the persons to whom the warrant is directed to remove from any place any thing installed in accordance with a warrant issued under subsection 21(3) or 21.1(3) and, for that purpose, to enter any place or open or obtain access to any thing.

  • Marginal note:Matters to be specified in warrant

    (2) There shall be specified in a warrant issued under subsection (1) the matters referred to in paragraphs 21(4)(c) to (f) or 21.1(5)(c) to (f), as the case may be.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 23
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 45

Marginal note:Warrant to have effect notwithstanding other laws

 Notwithstanding any other law, a warrant issued under section 21 or 23

  • (a) authorizes every person or person included in a class of persons to whom the warrant is directed,

    • (i) in the case of a warrant issued under section 21, to exercise the powers specified in the warrant for the purpose of intercepting communications of the type specified therein or obtaining information, records, documents or things of the type specified therein, or

    • (ii) in the case of a warrant issued under section 23, to execute the warrant; and

  • (b) authorizes any other person to assist a person who that other person believes on reasonable grounds is acting in accordance with such a warrant.

  • 1984, c. 21, s. 24

Marginal note:Authorization to request assistance

  •  (1) A person to whom — or a person who is included in a class of persons to whom — a warrant issued under section 21.1 is directed may request that another person assist them in taking any measure that the requester is authorized to take under the warrant if the requester believes on reasonable grounds that the measure is reasonable and proportional in the circumstances, having regard to the nature of the threat to the security of Canada, the nature of the measure, the reasonable availability of other means to reduce the threat and the reasonably foreseeable effects on third parties, including on their right to privacy.

  • Marginal note:Person giving assistance

    (2) A person to whom a request is made under subsection (1) is justified in assisting the requester in taking the measure if the person believes on reasonable grounds that the requester has the authority to take the measure.

Marginal note:Crown Liability and Proceedings Act not to apply

 No action lies under section 18 of the Crown Liability and Proceedings Act in respect of

  • (a) the use or disclosure in accordance with this Act of any communication intercepted under the authority of a warrant issued under section 21 or 21.1; or

  • (b) the disclosure pursuant to this Act of the existence of any such communication.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 25
  • 1993, c. 34, s. 49
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 47

Marginal note:Exclusion of Part VI of Criminal Code

 Part VI of the Criminal Code does not apply in relation to any interception of a communication under the authority of a warrant issued under section 21 or 21.1 or in relation to any communication so intercepted.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 26
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 48

Marginal note:Hearing of applications

 An application under section 21, 21.1 or 23 for a warrant, an application under section 22 or 22.1 for the renewal of a warrant or an application for an order under section 22.3 shall be heard in private in accordance with regulations made under section 28.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 27
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 48

Marginal note:Regulations

 The Governor in Council may make regulations

  • (a) prescribing the forms of warrants that may be issued under section 21, 21.1 or 23;

  • (b) governing the practice and procedure of, and security requirements applicable to, hearings of applications for those warrants, for renewals of those warrants and for orders that may be made under section 22.3; and

  • (c) notwithstanding the Federal Courts Act and any rules made thereunder, specifying the places where those hearings may be held and the places where, and the manner in which, records or documents concerning those hearings shall be kept.

  • R.S., 1985, c. C-23, s. 28
  • 2002, c. 8, s. 182
  • 2015, c. 20, s. 49

PART III[Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 380]

 [Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 380]

 [Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 380]

 [Repealed, 2012, c. 19, s. 380]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

PART IV[Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

 [Repealed, 2019, c. 13, s. 22]

SCHEDULE(Section 10)

Oath of Office

I, blank line, swear that I will faithfully and impartially to the best of my abilities perform the duties required of me as (the Director, an employee) of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. So help me God.

Oath of Secrecy

I, blank line, swear that I will not, without due authority, disclose or make known to any person any information acquired by me by reason of the duties performed by me on behalf of or under the direction of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service or by reason of any office or employment held by me pursuant to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act. So help me God.

  • 1984, c. 21, Sch

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