The report notes in exhibit 1.1 the various departments and agencies that are involved in intelligence activities. As we point out in this report and in previous reports, the level of external review or oversight varies significantly. There are some such as CSIS that have the Security Intelligence Review Committee and an Inspector General, but there are other departments, like the Department of National Defence, that have no external review. As to the RCMP, the Commission for Public Complaints is quite limited in the work it can do. It can only accept complaints, and the Commissioner of the RCMP determines what information the commission can have. As we point out, the degree of oversight varies significantly.
Many of these agencies and departments have received additional powers under new legislation, anti-terrorism legislation. We believe we need an ongoing review to ensure that there is external oversight over potential intrusion into private information and that the agencies are carrying out their mandates within the legal authorities given to them.