National Security and Intelligence Review Agency

Summary

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) was established by SC 2019, c. 13, s. 2 (Bill C-59, in force July 12, 2019), replacing the Security Intelligence Review Committee. It consists of a Chair plus three to six members appointed by the Governor in Council on the Prime Minister's recommendation after consultation with party leaders, for up to five-year terms during good behaviour, removable for cause. NSIRA has unfettered access to classified information across all departments despite other statutes, including RCMP national security criminal investigation files and CBSA intelligence data. It reviews and investigates national-security and intelligence activities of the RCMP, CBSA, CSIS, CSE, and others for lawfulness, reasonableness, and necessity, and may investigate public complaints regarding RCMP national-security activities. It has no discipline authority; findings are advisory and reported annually to Parliament, subject to executive review before tabling to redact classified material.