{"id":17130,"date":"2026-10-01T08:36:54","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T18:36:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.nsira-ossnr.gc.ca\/?page_id=17130"},"modified":"2026-10-01T09:38:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T13:38:09","slug":"backgrounder","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nsira-ossnr.gc.ca\/en\/reviews\/find-a-review\/24-05\/backgrounder\/","title":{"rendered":"Canadian Security Intelligence Service Justification Framework (2024): Backgrounder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Canadian Security Intelligence Service Justification Framework (2024) <\/h1>\n\n
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\n Backgrounder <\/h2>\n \n \n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A redacted version of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency\u2019s (NSIRA) Review of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service\u2019s (CSIS) Use of the Justification Framework (JF) <\/em>was recently released under the Access to Information Act<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The JF, established under section 20.1 of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act<\/em> (CSIS Act), allows designated CSIS employees, in limited circumstances, to commit or direct acts or omissions that would otherwise constitute offences under Canadian law while carrying out CSIS\u2019s intelligence mandate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NSIRA found that CSIS complied with the statutory limitations on use of the JF in all operations reviewed. However, it also identified several instances where CSIS may not have complied with other requirements of the CSIS Act, including requirements relating to designation, authorization, reporting and notification to NSIRA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why This Matters<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The JF gives CSIS exceptional authority to undertake activities that would otherwise be illegal. The JF therefore includes safeguards intended to ensure that this authority is exercised within the prescribed limits and remains subject to review and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

NSIRA\u2019s findings highlight the importance of ensuring that these safeguards are consistently followed, documented and reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key observations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n