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Canada failed to conduct a critical national security law review required by 2023. In June 2019, Parliament passed Bill C-59 to reshape the country’s intelligence operations. The legislation created the Communications Security Establishment Act and altered CSIS operations. It also introduced civilian oversight across the entire national security community. Crucially, the law mandated a comprehensive parliamentary review within four years. However, lawmakers missed this statutory deadline entirely.
Government Disclaims Responsibility
Documents show the NSIRA chair raised the missed deadline in November 2025. She met directly with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree. Ten months later, the minister’s office disclaimed responsibility for the delay. Spokesperson Simon Lafortune stated that Parliament controls the review process and timing. Furthermore, Liberal MP Jean-Yves Duclos did not respond to requests for comment. Duclos chairs the parliamentary committee responsible for leading such security evaluations.
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A Pattern of Legislative Neglect
Security expert Stephanie Carvin criticized the government’s ongoing lack of interest. She observed that Canada usually passes major security bills only after severe crises. For instance, new laws followed 9/11 and the 2014 Parliament Hill attack. Governments quickly pass omnibus bills during emergencies and soon forget them. Additionally, recent public inquiries created widespread review fatigue across agencies. These inquiries examined the Emergencies Act and foreign political interference.
Outdated Mandates and Cyber Threats
Meanwhile, CSIS still operates under a core framework from the 1980s. The agency’s 2025 annual report warned that evolving threats outstrip legal frameworks. Consequently, Canada faces growing challenges in gathering vital intelligence compared to allies. Similarly, CSE faces new modern threats driven by artificial intelligence. The cyber agency now works closely with private firms and public entities. Therefore, experts urge Parliament to complete a national security law review promptly.
Oversight Bodies Await Statutory Action
A proper parliamentary assessment must examine how C-59 impacts security agencies. It must evaluate CSIS, CSE, and the RCMP alongside new civilian oversight bodies. Specifically, NSIRA needs clarity on its oversight role and investigative powers. Disagreements between intelligence agencies and oversight bodies continue to grow. Without parliamentary action, Canada risks leaving its security apparatus unprepared for future challenges.
