The Government of Canada is inviting Canadians to participate in a constructive dialogue on our national security framework. This broad consultation is intensifying today with the publication of a discussion paper to prompt debate and input.
This consultation is one part of the government's approach to national security issues. In June, the government also introduced new legislation to create a "National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians" to strengthen scrutiny and accountability of all our security agencies. The government is also working on the establishment of a new national office and centre of excellence to bolster and coordinate community efforts to prevent vulnerable individuals from being radicalized to violence. In addition, it has undertaken a complete re-examination of Canada's cyber-security capabilities.
This public consultation will help inform future changes to national security tools, including those introduced in the former Bill C-51. These changes will ensure Canada’s national security framework is effective in keeping Canadians safe, and equally in safeguarding Canadians’ Charter rights in a free and democratic society.
The consultation will focus on topics that include terrorism measures in the Criminal Code, information-sharing between national security institutions, as well as measures aimed at investigative capabilities, prevention, and threat reduction.
All Canadians are encouraged to share their views on these topics through the consultation web page, where they can learn more about these important issues and submit their input online. Online submissions will be accepted until December 1, 2016.
The Government of Canada will also be engaging Canadians through several town hall events across Canada over the coming months, and will be seeking the input of experts and interest groups in targeted meetings.
In addition, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Public Safety and National Security and the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence are being invited to study the issues under consideration.
