Chapter 2: Canada’s Legal Framework for Lawful Access
Special Report on the Lawful Access to Communications by Security and Intelligence Organizations

Transparency and Review

53. In the context of lawful access, Canada’s law enforcement and security organizations are subject to a variety of obligations for disclosure, transparency, and review. With respect to the RCMP, the government is required to report annually to Parliament on the use of audio and video electronic surveillance. ^{Footnote 92} The government tabled its most recent report to Parliament, the 2022 Annual Report on the Use of Electronic Surveillance, in 2024. ^{Footnote 93}

54. CSIS is not required to publicly report on the number of investigations it conducts, nor on its use of electronic surveillance. Similarly, CSE is not required to publicly report on the number of requests for assistance it receives or responds to from CSIS and the RCMP.

55. All three organizations are subject to review by the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and by this Committee.