We examine, on an annual basis, a variety of the warrant applications because these are the most intrusive aspects of CSIS operations. Ministerial direction to the service states that the least intrusive investigative methods must be used first, except in emergency situations or where less intrusive investigative techniques would not be proportionate to the gravity and imminence of the threat. As well, of course, under subsection 21(2) of the act, CSIS is required to justify to a Federal Court judge why other less intrusive techniques would be unlikely to succeed when they make warrant applications.
While we recognize that many factors come into play each time CSIS requests and implements warrant powers, we're not sure, based on our review of this particular operation, whether or not warrant powers were necessary in this instance.
I'm not sure what response we received from CSIS on this. At this point, I don't believe we have had a response. We'll certainly follow up on it.