Overview[]
The Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) is the national cryptologic agency of Canada. It provides the Government of Canada with two key services: foreign signals intelligence (SIGINT) in support of defence and foreign policy, and the protection of electronic information and communication (Information Technology (IT) Security). Additionally, CSEC provides technical and operational assistance to federal law enforcement and security agencies.
| “ | The Minister of National Defense may authorize CSEC to intercept private communications if certain criteria are satisfied, such as where interception is necessary to CSEC's foreign intelligence mandate, which includes the collection of information "essential to either international affairs, defence or security." Thus, the agency is not required to obtain prior judicial approval to intercept communications relating to foreign intelligence. . . .[1] | ” |