Communications Security Establishment and Criminal Investigations

Sean Kilpatrick: The RCMP fears more eyes looking over its shoulder could compromise criminal investigations, while the electronic spies at the Communications Security Establishment warn against creating a super-watchdog with its associated "burden and costs," say notes obtained under the Access to Information Act, according to Brandon Sun. The Trudeau government plans to usher in a national security committee of parliamentarians, whose members would have access to classified records. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick OTTAWA - As the Liberals prepare to bolster a review of national spy services, two federal security agencies have flagged serious headaches that might come with more scrutiny, internal documents show. It is also studying gaps in the current web of watchdogs that monitor intelligence services to ensure a comprehensive system is in place. It means the Civilian Review and Complaints Commission, which oversees the RCMP national security activities, might be barred from exchanging notes on an alleged scandal with the watchdog that keeps an eye on the Communications Security Establishment. Existing review bodies cannot look at issues beyond their specific agency of focus, and have "limited authority" to collaborate with one another, say briefing notes prepared for Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.