QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians
September 17, 2024
Senator Gold, my question relates to speculation following the publication of the report by the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.
I heard Commissioner Hogue explain quite clearly that the information obtained from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, or CSIS, is protected information because some of these cases could eventually be prosecuted, and those proceedings would also fall under national security and state secrets.
Commissioner Hogue has therefore indicated that she will not publish the names of any parliamentarians.
Do you consider this to be in line with the rule of law, and do you think it confirms that parliamentarians’ names can’t be included in the committee’s unredacted report?
If I understand the question correctly, the government’s position is that it respects Justice Hogue’s decision. It’s always important to strike an appropriate balance between unlimited transparency and legal requirements, including protecting national security and privacy, under circumstances such as these.
I believe Justice Hogue struck an appropriate balance in that respect.
Does that mean you recognize that, in this context and in a country governed by the rule of law, the basic principle of respect for privacy and the right to the presumption of innocence has been and must continue to be fundamental?
I couldn’t agree more.
