National Security and Human Rights Concerns in Canada: A Survey of Eight Critical Issues in the Post-9/11 Environment

Wesley K. Wark
Associate Professor
Munk Centre for International Studies
University of Toronto

The opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

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Table of contents

Introduction

Overview

Section 1 - The Evolution of National Security Policy in Canada since September 11, 2001, and Its Potential Impact on Human Rights

Section 2 - New Legislative Measures relevant to National Security and Human Rights, Especially the Anti-Terrorism Act, Bill C-36

Section 3 - The Application of Pre-September 11 Powers to the New Security Environment, Including the Use of Security Certificates

Section 4 - Key Federal Government Agencies in the National Security Domain and Their Respective Mandates and Functions

Section 5 - Measures of Accountability and Review of National Security Agencies and their Practices, Especially Pertaining to Fidelity to Legal Mandates and Human Rights

Section 6 - Federal Government Responsibility and Capacity to Protect Canadians and Their Rights Overseas, Including Respect for International Law Provisions

Section 7 - International Liaisons in National Security Work and Their Implications for Human Rights in Canada

Section 8 - The Role of the Canadian Human Rights Commission in Fostering Knowledge and Understanding of the Interface Between security and human rights

Selected Bibliography

Appendix A - Consolidated Recommendations

Appendix B - Proposal for an Expert Advisory Council to Assist the Work of the CHRC

Appendix C - List of Academic Experts

Footnotes