The National Security and Intelligence Review System
Dates
March 17-20
Length of Course
4 days
9:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
Prerequisites
Statement of Interest
Delivery Method
In person
Cost
$2,150 CAD
Cost includes a non-refundable $25 registration fee
Instructors
Wesley Wark
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
This course will offer an intensive survey of the origins and history of national security and intelligence review in Canada, the current state of review practice, and the challenges ahead. Course participants will be made familiar with the legislative basis for the new review system created since 2017, the policy and political contexts of review work, and will study examples of current review reporting. The course will demonstrate best practices and objectives for national security and intelligence review.
The course is unique in Canada and has been offered in multiple sessions since 2019. It is taught by Dr. Wesley Wark, a leading expert in national security and intelligence review.
The course will be delivered in person in Ottawa, at a central location to be determined, with sessions held March 17 to 22, Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.
Course Summary
The objective of the course is to deepen participants’ understanding of the practice of national security and intelligence review in Canada. The Canadian review system has been radically reshaped since 2017 through legislation that created the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and the Intelligence Commissioner. A substantial body of review reports has now been generated by the new system but practice continues to evolve.
The course will feature a mix of presentations by the instructor, guest expert talks, case studies, and student-led discussion. An important facet of the course is the opportunity to discuss review practice and methodology with practitioners from across the NSI review community.
The course will be delivered over four consecutive days, from 9-4.
Registered students will be provided in advance with a detailed course agenda and schedule, and a recommended reading list.
The language of instruction will be English. All presentations and discussions will draw on information in the public domain and will be held under the Chatham House rule.
Who Should Attend
The online course is designed for:
- Government officials seeking to better understand the new review system
- Officials whose duties include review, either within the review bodies or the security and intelligence community
- Parliamentary staff
- Government communications staff
The course is restricted to currently serving Government of Canada officials. Students who do not meet this criterion will be considered for admission on a case-by-case basis.
Covered in this Course
- The objectives of national security and intelligence review
- The principles of review
- The history of review in Canada
- Major legislative changes
- The work of the current review bodies
- The role of the Federal court
- The role of the Auditor General
- Elements of review success and failure
- Public expectations of review
- Comparative perspectives—Review in the Five Eyes
To Register
Candidates will be admitted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Before registering, prospective candidates for the course are asked to send a brief statement of interest and a short bio detailing their career and educational background. This material should be sent electronically to: [email protected].
Selected candidates, once registrations are open and their candidacy confirmed, can register until the week prior to the course start date.
Instructors
Wesley Wark
Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation
What Participants Say
Great opportunity to interact with key players
Participant
March 2023
“The most valuable was the opportunity to interact directly with representatives from key players across the review community. It's one thing to read on paper what the various organizations do, but to get the insider's perspective provides a unique context.”
An empowered view of our role in the review system
Participant
March 2023
“One of the most valuable learning outcomes of the course was the foundational knowledge that was provided on the state of the national security and intelligence review system, but also the insight on the challenges it faces, combined with an empowered view that our work is critical and much needed, particularly in light of recent events.”
Dr. Wark's delivery was a highlight
Participant
February 2024
“The depth of understanding of the topic displayed by the professor, who managed to give a good overview of the material over the course of the two weeks through the seminars, break-out groups, and guest speakers."
Great extensive discussions
Participant
May 2024
“The most valuable learning outcome was the depth of the discussions and multitude of expert guest speakers, especially the rich knowledge and experience Dr. Wark brings to the table."