Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This particular amendment proposes to replace line 35 on page 116 with the following:
Government of Canada institution must, on its own initia-
It changes the word “may” to “must” with regard to the Government of Canada institution's own initiative. This is based on testimony from the former head of CSIS and other knowledgeable security personnel who noted that information sharing is critical to having Canada deal with national security threats. Siloed information is a major risk. We've heard that repeatedly throughout the testimony. It should never happen, and we should never read that Canada was attacked or failed to act because someone didn't share information or take the time to call another agency.
I proposed the amendment to require public servants who obtain information to share it with the relevant national security and intelligence teams. While the act provides for “may” share, the number of times privacy and charter rights are mentioned will cause them to withhold out of self-preservation. Where there are questions of privacy, public servants can consult the commissioner for rules without disclosing the information. It can share with NSIRA to make sure the information is handled appropriately.
This bill is supposed to be about protecting Canadians, and we should have everyone on the same page with respect to sharing information. I don't want to speak presumptuously, but I think it's something that my colleagues across the way have said repeatedly. The siloing of information is a risk.
That's the purpose of this amendment, Mr. Chair.