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Decentralized Democracy

House Bill

Bill C-331

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
May 02, 2023
An Act to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act (duty of candour)
  • Bill C-331 aims to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act to address breaches of the duty of candour by the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). The bill proposes that the CSIS should report any breaches of this duty to the courts. Additionally, the oath of office taken by the Director and employees of CSIS will be updated to include a solemn promise to fulfill this duty. The purpose of these changes is to ensure transparency and accountability in the actions of CSIS.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • Steelman Argument: Bill C-331, which seeks to amend the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, introduces an important measure to enhance transparency and accountability within the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). By requiring the CSIS to report breaches of its duty of candour to the courts, the bill aims to strengthen the checks and balances on the agency's activities and ensure greater adherence to legal standards. One of the primary purposes of intelligence agencies is to protect national security while upholding democratic principles and the rule of law. However, in the pursuit of this objective, there is always the risk of overreach or violation of civil liberties. By establishing a reporting requirement for breaches of the duty of candour, the bill ensures that any transgressions or failures in disclosing information to the court are brought to light and addressed. This provision not only promotes transparenc

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill C-331: Bill C-331, which amends the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act to include a duty of candour and reporting breaches to the courts, may have unintended consequences that could hinder national security efforts. Firstly, reporting breaches of the duty of candour to the courts could compromise ongoing investigations and intelligence-gathering activities. By bringing such breaches to the attention of the courts, sensitive information could be exposed, potentially jeopardizing national security. This could create a risk of intelligence sources being compromised and hinder the ability of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service to effectively carry out its duties. Secondly, requiring the Service to report breaches could create a burdensome administrative process, diverting resources and attention away from other essential activities. Time and effort spent documenting and reporting breaches
House Second Reading
  • May 2, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • In Progress
  • Read
House First Reading
  • May 2, 2023, 10 a.m.
  • Passed