Backgrounder
This report describes the results of a review by the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) of the 2021 disclosures made by federal institutions under the Security of Canada Information Disclosure Act (SCIDA). This is the third year of implementation of the SCIDA regime. This year, NSIRA decided to focus the review on Global Affairs Canada’s (GAC) proactive disclosures.
The SCIDA encourages and facilitates the disclosure of information between federal institutions to protect Canada against activities that undermine or threaten national security, subject to certain conditions. The SCIDA provides a two-part threshold which must be met prior to making a disclosure: that the information will contribute to the exercise of the recipient institution’s jurisdiction or responsibilities in respect of activities that undermine the security of Canada, and will not affect any person’s privacy interest more than reasonably necessary in the circumstances. The SCIDA also includes provisions and guiding principles related to the management of disclosures, including accuracy and reliability statements and record keeping obligations.
