Media Advisory - National Security and Intelligence Committee Report on PM'S Visit to India Delivered to PM

OTTAWA, May 31, 2018 /CNW/ - The National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) today delivered to the Prime Minister a special report addressing security concerns arising from his official visit to India in February 2018.

The classified report details 18 findings and six recommendations of a comprehensive, independent review of allegations of foreign interference in Canadian political affairs, risks to the security of the Prime Minister, and inappropriate use of intelligence.

Examination of the decisions and actions of security and intelligence organizations and officials related to the visit falls within the purview of NSICOP's mandate. The multi-party, bicameral Committee heard testimony from witnesses in April and May.

"All Committee members were in agreement that the key issues fell within our mandate, merited independent and non-partisan review, and could only be properly examined with access to classified information," said Committee Chair the Hon. David McGuinty.

McGuinty also commended the co-operation extended by officials and organizations called on by the Committee.    

"Officials met all requests for information within the deadlines set, and readily complied with any follow-on requests.  We are deeply grateful for their cooperation and for the insights they provided during the Committee's hearings," McGuinty said.

In accordance with section 21(2) of the NSICOP Act, the Committee has provided the Prime Minister with the special report. The Prime Minister will now consider whether there is any information in the report, the disclosure of which would be injurious to national security, national defence or international relations, or solicitor-client information.  An unclassified version is to be tabled in each House of Parliament at a later date, at which time the Chair will be available for further comment. 

BACKGROUND: Completion of the special report represents the first milestone achievement for the new Committee. Established by Parliament in June 2017, it serves as an independent, high-level reviewer of the legislative, regulatory, policy, administrative and financial framework for national security and intelligence across the Government of Canada.

The Committee's seven MPs and three Senators hold the highest level of security clearance, are bound by the Security of Information Act and meet in private.

In addition to special reports, NSICOP is required to submit a classified annual report detailing its national security reviews to the Prime Minister, an unclassified version of which must be tabled in both Houses of Parliament.

SOURCE Secretariat to the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians