Bill S-220 explained in plain English
An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament
Federal Parliament bill summary, status, timeline, sponsor, votes, and official sources.
At a glance
Official Parliament of Canada snapshot for 41st Parliament, 2nd Session. MP vote breakdowns appear when the House of Commons publishes a recorded division export for that bill. Senate and House stage details include official debate/sitting links when LEGISinfo publishes them.
Our plain-language take, written for civic education.
Source: By PoliticalData.ca
Bill S-220 establishes the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament as an independent nine-member committee with authority to review Canada's intelligence and security framework and access classified government information.
Bill S-220 creates a new committee called the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament. This committee will have nine members: three senators and six members of the House of Commons. Members must not be ministers or parliamentary secretaries, and opposition members can only be appointed after consultation with their party leader. The committee's main job is to review Canada's laws, policies, and practices related to intelligence and national security, as well as activities of federal departments and agencies in these areas. Committee members must take a special oath of secrecy and are permanently bound by confidentiality rules under the Security of Information Act. The committee can call witnesses, request documents, and access government information that relates to its work—except for confidential records of the Cabinet (the Queen's Privy Council). Each year, the committee must submit a report to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister can remove sensitive information from the public version of the report if disclosure would harm national security or defence, but must note if information has been excluded. Committee members do not receive payment for their service, but can be reimbursed for travel expenses when away from Parliament. The bill also makes related changes to two federal laws: the Security of Information Act (to clarify that committee members are bound to secrecy) and the Conflict of Interest Act (to include committee members as "public office holders"). The bill comes into force one year after receiving royal assent, unless the Governor in Council sets an earlier date.
- Establishes a new Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament composed of 9 members (3 senators and 6 House members) who are not ministers or parliamentary secretaries
- Requires opposition members to be appointed only after consultation with their party leader
- Requires all appointments to be approved by resolution of the Senate or House of Commons
- Members hold office at pleasure until Parliament dissolves following their appointment
- Committee members elect their own Chair and may designate a temporary acting Chair
- Committee members receive no remuneration but are reimbursed for certain travel expenses per Treasury Board rules
- All committee members and staff must take an oath of secrecy and are permanently bound by confidentiality rules
- Members cannot claim parliamentary privilege to protect use or communication of information they learn as committee members
- The committee reviews the legislative, regulatory, policy and administrative framework for intelligence and national security in Canada and related federal government activities
- The committee can summon witnesses, require testimony under oath, and demand production of documents and things
- The committee has access to all federal government information relevant to its work, except Cabinet confidences protected under the Canada Evidence Act
- The committee must submit an annual report to the Prime Minister on its reviews
- The Prime Minister can exclude sensitive information from the public version of the report if disclosure would harm national security or defence, but must indicate if information was excluded
- The report must be tabled in Parliament within 45 days of the Prime Minister receiving it
- Meetings can be held in camera (closed) when the Chair or a majority of members consider it necessary
- The committee prepares annual budget estimates for Parliament
- Members of Parliament (3 senators and 6 House of Commons members) who are appointed to the Intelligence and Security Committee
- Opposition party members in Parliament who wish to be appointed to the committee
- Federal departments and agencies that may be required to provide information and answer to the committee
- Federal government employees who work with the committee
- The Prime Minister (who appoints members, receives annual reports, and can exclude sensitive information from public reports)
- The Treasury Board (which provides expense reimbursement guidelines and receives budget estimates)
- The public (who will receive redacted annual reports and may be interested in intelligence and security oversight)
- Committee members must take an oath of secrecy and remain bound to confidentiality during and after their term
- Committee members are permanently bound by the Security of Information Act confidentiality rules
- Federal departments and agencies must provide information to the committee upon request (except Cabinet confidences)
- Federal departments and agencies must produce documents and things the committee deems necessary
- Federal employees must answer committee inquiries and provide explanations
- The Prime Minister must receive an annual report from the committee
- The Prime Minister must consult the Committee Chair before excluding information from public reports
- The Prime Minister must table a copy of the committee's report in each House of Parliament within 45 days
- The Prime Minister must indicate whether information has been excluded from the public report
- Committee members have the right to be reimbursed for certain travel expenses per Treasury Board guidelines
- The Committee has the power to summon witnesses and require testimony under oath or solemn affirmation
- The Committee can hold meetings in camera when necessary for security reasons
- The Committee can determine its own procedures (subject to the Act)
- The Committee can engage its own staff and fix their compensation
- The President of the Treasury Board must receive annual budget estimates from the Committee Chair
- First Reading: May 1, 2014
- Current Stage: Second Reading in the Senate (as noted in the bill metadata)
- Commencement: One year after royal assent (or earlier date by Governor in Council order per Section 21)
- Committee members do not receive payment for their service (Section 8(1))
- Committee members are reimbursed for expenses incurred while absent from the National Capital Region on days when Parliament sits, or from their ordinary residence at other times, in accordance with Treasury Board directives (Section 8(2))
- The Committee may engage staff and fix their compensation (Section 7)
- Parliament must provide funding for the Committee's salaries, allowances, and expenses as set out in annual budget estimates submitted by the Committee Chair (Section 10)
- Breaking the oath of secrecy could potentially result in charges under the Security of Information Act (sections 13 and 14), as referenced in Section 19's amendment
- Committee members subject to Conflict of Interest Act requirements and associated penalties for violations
- The bill does not specify how members are selected or nominated for appointment by the Governor in Council
- The bill does not detail the specific criteria or process for determining what information should be excluded from reports for national security reasons
- The bill does not specify what happens if the Prime Minister and the Committee Chair disagree on excluding information from reports
- The bill does not detail the mechanism for resolving disputes if federal departments refuse to provide information
- The bill does not explain what qualifications or security clearances members must have
- The bill text does not specify the number of staff the committee will employ or details of their roles
- The scope of 'activities of federal departments and agencies in relation to intelligence and national security' is not precisely defined and could be interpreted broadly or narrowly
- The bill does not specify whether the committee can conduct special investigations or only review existing frameworks and activities
New federal legislation establishing the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament with composition, mandate, powers, and duties as described in the bill
Source: Section 1
Adds a new provision allowing a certificate from the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada to serve as evidence that a person is or was a member/employee of the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament and is permanently bound to secrecy, without requiring proof of the signature's authenticity
Source: Section 19
Adds committee members to the definition of 'public office holder', making them subject to the Conflict of Interest Act requirements
Source: Section 20
Generated using AI from official bill text. Not legal advice. It is written by PoliticalData.ca for civic education, automatically checked and spot-reviewed before publishing.
Official textParliamentary Process
Bill S-220, an Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, completed its First Reading in the Senate on May 1, 2014, and is currently proceeding through Second Reading debate.
This artifact marks the completion of the First Reading stage for Bill S-220 in the Senate on May 1, 2014. This is a procedural step where the bill is formally introduced to the Senate. The bill is currently at the Second Reading stage in the Senate, with debate occurring on multiple dates in 2014 and 2015, including speeches by Senator Hugh Segal and Senator Roméo Dallaire.
During a Senate sitting on May 1, 2014, Bill S-220, proposing an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, was introduced at first reading, alongside other debates and procedural matters.
On May 1, 2014, the Senate convened. The sitting included several discussions and procedural actions. Notably, Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, was introduced and received first reading. Other proceedings involved tributes to journalists lost in the line of duty, recognition of visitors, and debates on various bills and inquiries, including those related to privacy, mental health, health care, and the Criminal Code. A motion to authorize a committee to meet during a Senate sitting was adopted.
Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, underwent debate at its second reading stage in the Senate.
This artifact describes the process of Bill S-220, An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, reaching its second reading stage in the Senate. It indicates that debate occurred on this bill on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, and lists previous dates for first and second reading, as well as speeches given.
The Senate began debate on Bill S-220, which proposes to establish a parliamentary committee for oversight of intelligence and security agencies, aiming to improve accountability and balance national security with civil liberties.
On May 27, 2014, the Senate debated Bill S-220, An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament. Senator Hugh Segal moved second reading of the bill. He explained that the bill aims to create a parliamentary committee with oversight over Canada's intelligence and security agencies. He argued that current parliamentary committees lack the necessary security clearances to adequately scrutinize these agencies, unlike in many allied nations. Senator Segal highlighted that such a committee would provide a forum for detailed questioning on intelligence operations, legislation, and implementation, helping to strike a balance between national security and civil liberties. The debate was adjourned after Senator Segal's speech and subsequent questions from other Senators regarding the bill's drafting, the security clearance requirements for committee members, and the potential role of such a committee in reviewing terrorism-related legislation.
During a Senate sitting on May 27, 2014, senators engaged in debates and discussions on multiple topics, including a bill to establish an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (Bill S-220), alongside other legislative and procedural matters.
During this Senate sitting on May 27, 2014, senators discussed various matters, including congratulating Senator Paul E. McIntyre on running his fiftieth marathon, acknowledging visitors from the Czech Republic, and noting the completion of a project to reconstitute historical parliamentary debates. The Senate also heard speeches recognizing Canadian Parents for French B.C. and Yukon, and Air Force Appreciation Day. There was a discussion regarding the proposed Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament Bill (S-220), with the sponsor explaining its purpose and comparing it to similar legislation in other countries. Debates also occurred on other bills and motions concerning various topics such as interprovincial trade, climate change, Supreme Court appointments, the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, amendments to the Canada Grain Act and Canada Transportation Act, the Fair Elections Act, and the Registered Disability Savings Plan. The sitting included the tabling of several documents and the adjournment of several debates.
During the Senate's second reading debate on Bill S-220, Senator Dallaire emphasized the critical need for parliamentary oversight of intelligence and security agencies, arguing that such a committee is essential for accountability and effective governance in the face of modern threats.
On June 5, 2014, the Senate continued its second reading debate on Bill S-220, which aims to establish a parliamentary committee on intelligence and security. Senator Roméo Antonius Dallaire spoke extensively on the need for such a committee, highlighting the evolving nature of threats, the lack of parliamentary oversight in national security, and the importance of accountability. He argued that a dedicated committee would allow parliamentarians to review classified information, advise the government, and hold the executive accountable, drawing comparisons to similar committees in other countries. The debate on Bill S-220 was adjourned. The sitting also included tributes to fallen RCMP officers in Moncton, commemorations of the 70th anniversary of D-Day, congratulations on honorary degrees, tabling of various reports, committee business, and debates on other bills.
During a Senate sitting on June 5, 2014, members observed a moment of silence for fallen RCMP officers, commemorated D-Day, debated the establishment of a parliamentary intelligence committee, and discussed various other bills and committee reports.
This document summarizes a Senate debate on June 5, 2014. The Senate observed a moment of silence and offered condolences for the RCMP officers killed in Moncton, New Brunswick. Senators also commemorated the 70th anniversary of D-Day. Several reports from Senate committees were presented, and various bills were at different stages of the legislative process. A significant portion of the debate focused on Bill S-220, An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, with Senator Roméo Antonius Dallaire speaking extensively about the need for parliamentary oversight of national security and intelligence agencies. Other discussions included the impact of a grounded ship on the East Coast, a review of official languages in the military, amendments to trademark and demutualization laws (Bill C-31), changes to the Criminal Code regarding impersonating a peace officer (Bill C-444), amendments to the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code concerning gender identity (Bill C-279), and amendments to the Criminal Code regarding mandatory minimum sentences for manslaughter (Bill S-214). The Senate also adopted a report on the transition of veterans to civilian life. The debate concluded with the Senate adjourning until Tuesday, June 10, 2014.
The Senate continued the debate on Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, and then moved on to other business.
On October 8, 2014, the Senate continued the debate on Bill S-220, An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament. Senator Grant Mitchell indicated he wished to speak on the bill but was not yet prepared and moved to adjourn the debate. The Senate then proceeded to other items on its agenda, including tributes, committee reports, questions regarding Francophone immigration and media ownership, and debates on other bills and committee reports.
In the Senate, the debate on establishing an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament (Bill S-220) continued, with a senator speaking in favour of the bill's proposed oversight mechanisms for national security and intelligence agencies.
The Senate continued the second reading debate on Bill S-220, An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament. Senator Grant Mitchell spoke in favour of the bill, highlighting the need for a parliamentary oversight body for national security and defence. He noted that Canada is unique among Western democracies in lacking such a body and that an oversight committee could improve coordination among intelligence agencies and enhance accountability. Senator Mitchell also discussed the evolving global security landscape and the challenges it presents. The debate was adjourned.
During a Senate sitting on May 26, 2015, the debate on Bill S-220, aimed at establishing a parliamentary committee for intelligence and security oversight, continued but was adjourned without completion, alongside other procedural business and discussions.
This Senate sitting on May 26, 2015, included ongoing debates and procedural matters. A significant portion of the sitting involved the continuation of the second reading debate for Bill S-220, "An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament." Senators discussed the necessity and structure of parliamentary oversight for intelligence and security agencies, drawing comparisons to practices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Other matters addressed included presentations on Armenia, the Rohingya crisis, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, and the energy sector. Various committee reports were presented or adopted, and several motions related to committee business were debated or adjourned. The debate on Bill S-220 was adjourned, indicating it was not completed during this sitting.
Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of an Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, has not yet proceeded to the third reading stage in the Senate, with its most recent recorded activity being debate at second reading.
The artifact indicates that Bill S-220, an Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament, has not yet reached the third reading stage in the Senate. The latest activity recorded was debate at the second reading stage on May 26, 2015. The bill had its first reading on May 1, 2014, and its second reading on May 27, 2014. Speeches related to the second reading occurred on various dates in 2014 and 2015.
Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of a Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee, has reached First Reading in the House of Commons but has not yet been debated there, while it has proceeded to Second Reading in the Senate.
This record describes the initial procedural step for Bill S-220 in the House of Commons. It indicates that the bill has reached the 'First reading' stage but this stage has not yet been commenced. The artifact also provides historical information about the bill's progression in the Senate, including dates of readings and speeches.
The Second Reading stage in the House of Commons for Bill S-220 has not yet occurred, with the bill currently being considered at second reading in the Senate.
This record indicates that the House of Commons Second Reading stage for Bill S-220, "An Act to establish the Intelligence and Security Committee of Parliament," has not yet been reached. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate. The artifact details historical activity related to the bill's progression, including its first reading on Thursday, May 1, 2014, and subsequent second reading dates in the Senate, with noted speeches by Senators Hugh Segal and Roméo Dallaire.
The 'Consideration in committee' stage for Bill S-220 in the House of Commons has not yet been reached, with the bill's current status being at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact describes a procedural stage for Bill S-220 in the House of Commons, specifically the 'Consideration in committee' stage. However, the status indicates that this stage has 'Not reached'. The bill's current overall status is 'At second reading in the Senate'. The provided text details the bill's history in the Senate, including its first and second reading dates and related speeches.
Bill S-220, aimed at establishing a parliamentary intelligence and security committee, is awaiting the Report stage in the House of Commons while it is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate, with past debates noted.
The provided text indicates that Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of a parliamentary committee for intelligence and security, has reached the Report stage in the House of Commons. However, this specific stage has not yet been reached or occurred. The bill is currently at the second reading stage in the Senate. The text lists several dates where speeches related to the second reading debate in the Senate took place.
Bill S-220 has not reached the third reading stage in the House of Commons and is currently at second reading in the Senate.
This artifact indicates that Bill S-220, concerning the establishment of a parliamentary committee for intelligence and security, has not yet reached the third reading stage in the House of Commons. The bill's current status is at second reading in the Senate. The provided text details the bill's progression through its first and second readings in the Senate, including dates and sitting numbers, as well as identifying key speeches made during the second reading debate by Senators Hugh Segal and Roméo Dallaire.
Debate and sitting links point to official parliamentary sources when LEGISinfo publishes them. Any plain-language discussion summaries should be generated from those official texts and reviewed before public display.
Vote Summary
This bill is still active. We only show vote counts after the legislature publishes a recorded division.
No published representative vote breakdown
This bill is still moving through the process. When a recorded division is published, representative positions can be listed here.
Official sources
Status, sponsor, votes, and timeline on this page are drawn from these official legislative sources and public records. Each summary above is attributed to its own source.
How this data is sourced