PIAC calls on Public Security Minister and National Security Advisor to Appoint Civil Society Representatives to the National Cyber Security Task Force (May 26, 2004)

PUBLIC INTEREST ADVOCACY CENTRE
LE CENTRE POUR LA DEFENSE DE L’INTERET PUBLIC
ONE Nicholas Street, Suite 1204, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1N 7B7
Tel: (613) 562-4002. Fax: (613) 562-0007.
e-mail: piac@piac.ca
http://www.piac.ca
The Honourable Anne McLellan
Deputy Prime Minister of Canada
Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada
340 Laurier Avenue West Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0P8
Mr. Robert Wright
National Security Advisor
Office of the Prime Minister 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A2
BY MAIL ONLY
Dear Ms. McLellan and Mr. Wright:
Re: National Cyber Security Task Force Representation
I am writing to you regarding representation on the proposed National Cyber Security Task Force. I write on behalf of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre and the undersigned entities and individuals who are concerned with Canada’s privacy law and civil liberties.

Canada’s New National Security Policy

PIAC and the undersigned have read with interest the recent Securing an Open Society: Canada’s National Security Policy. We congratulate you on this initiative and in particular on the recognition of an open society as a defining element of our country. The new national security policy underlines its commitment to a security framework that “fully reflects and supports key Canadian values of democracy, human rights, respect for the rule of law, and pluralism.” In discussing the Integrated Threat Assessment approach, the policy states that such assessment will be “undertaken in a way that respects the privacy rights of Canadians”.

Cyber Security Task Force Representation

To assure that the reality approaches such ideals we recommend that you consider at least one representative on the proposed task force from those groups dedicated to defending the privacy rights and civil liberties of Canadians. Information technology is not only wired into critical infrastructure, but is also woven into the social fabric, as the policy recognizes. The Task Force’s collective mind can best consider the problems of the integration of cyber security policy and privacy and fundamental civil rights if a voice promoting these concerns is found within it.
We look forward to your consideration of our request. Should you decide such representation on the Task Force is appropriate, we will be pleased to offer suggestions of possible candidates.
Sincerely,
John Lawford
Barrister & Solicitor
Research Analyst
JDL/sr
Stephanie Perrin,
President
Digital Discretion
Darrell Evans, Executive Director
B.C. Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
Murray Mollard
Executive Director
B.C. Civil Liberties Association
Philippa Lawson
Executive Director
Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, University of Ottawa
Richard S. Rosenberg
Vice-President
Electronic Frontier Canada
Valerie Steeves
Chair
National Privacy Coalition
Thomas B. Riley
Executive Director
Commonwealth Centre for e-Governance