CBC: CSIS secrecy hampers complaints and accountability

CBC Radio's The Current​ discusses the BCCLA/Dogwood challenge against CSIS. Will we ever get to the truth of what did or did not happen? Join us and sign the pledge at https://bccla.org/dont-spy-on-me/ Article by CBC Radio Dogwood BC is an environmental advocacy group in British Columbia. Its members have campaigned against the Northern Gateway Pipeline, in addition to other causes.  

But, back in the fall of 2013, they got a surprise. They learned that some of the people in their midst may not have been who they thought they were. According to executive director Will Horter, it appeared that CSIS agents had joined in their activities, to spy. 

None of the allegations has been proven. Still earlier this year, the BC Civil Liberties Association filed a complaint with the Security Intelligence Review Committee or SIRC, the body that reviews CSIS' activities.

The hearings began last week. But Paul Champ, the lawyer who is representing the BC Civil Liberties Association is worried they may never get to the truth of what did or did not happen. Paul Champ was in Ottawa.

Ron Atkey was the first chair of the Security and Intelligence Review Committee, the body which is hearing the complaint. He joined us from home in Toronto.

We requested comments from CSIS, SIRC and the Prime Minister's Office. We did not hear back from any of them.

- Listen to the segment at CBC Radio