The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency (NSIRA) warned that government spending cuts will impede its ability to oversee Canada’s intelligence and security operations effectively. NSIRA, an independent body established in 2019 to review federal intelligence and security activities, including those of CSIS and CSE, is facing a 15% budget reduction over three years as part of a government spending review.

NSIRA vice-chair Craig Forcese stated that the budget cuts will force the agency to scale back its review processes and make challenging decisions. This reduction in resources coincides with the government’s consideration of expanding powers for intelligence agencies through Bill C-2 and increasing investment in defense and national security.

In recent years, NSIRA has raised concerns about various issues, such as CSIS misrepresenting its use of new technology, bias in audits related to terrorism at the Canada Revenue Agency, and potential Charter violations by CSE regarding polygraph usage. Forcese highlighted that NSIRA’s mandate to review CSE and CSIS may limit its ability to address wrongdoing beyond these agencies.

Historically, NSIRA has conducted reviews on several government departments involved in intelligence and security work. Forcese emphasized that departments undergoing reviews for the first time require more resources than those with previous scrutiny. The agency is striving to avoid layoffs but anticipates some staff reductions.

Forcese reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney for additional funding, with no response yet. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the impact of cuts on NSIRA but assured that core public safety agencies like the RCMP and border agency are being safeguarded. Anandasangaree expressed commitment to collaborating with NSIRA to mitigate the impact of expenditure reductions on its future operations.