OTTAWA — The vice-chair of the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency has warned that upcoming federal budget cuts will force the agency to make "very difficult choices" regarding its oversight activities. The recent federal budget proposal aims to reduce government spending by $13 billion annually by 2028-29, requiring most federal departments and agencies to cut their budgets by 15 percent over the next three years.

Craig Forcese, the agency's vice-chair, stated during a media briefing that the agency anticipates a decrease in funding, which may lead to fewer studies conducted each year. Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree acknowledged the financial constraints facing the review agency. He expressed his commitment to working with the agency to ensure that budget reductions do not compromise its essential functions.

These budget cuts come at a time when the government is also introducing legislation aimed at enhancing the powers of law enforcement and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to gather information. Additionally, the Coast Guard is set to receive new authority to conduct security patrols and collect intelligence.

The National Security and Intelligence Review Agency is responsible for overseeing various intelligence activities across the federal government, including those involving multiple organizations. Forcese noted that some intelligence agencies may not welcome the scrutiny from the review agency, stating, "It’s not fun being reviewed."

He likened the agency's role to that of a "canary in the coal mine," suggesting that it serves to identify issues and encourage improvements within intelligence organizations. The agency also investigates complaints, particularly those related to national security against CSIS, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and the Communications Security Establishment, which is Canada's cyber intelligence service.

In its annual report for 2024, recently submitted to Parliament, the review agency reported a significant rise in complaint investigations related to delays in immigration security screenings. CSIS provides security assessments to officials in the Immigration Department and Canada Border Services Agency regarding applicants for immigration and citizenship. The report indicated that CSIS has informed the review agency that the time required to deliver security advice is affected by various factors, including resource limitations and shifting federal priorities.