Memorandum of Understanding between CSIS and DFAIT (now GAC) (2007)

Document Purpose: Protocol between DFATD (GAC) and CSIS concerning cooperation re: consular cases involving Canadians detained abroad as part of a national security or terrorism-related case, with an objective to provide greater coordination and coherence in addressing issues that arise when a Canadian is detained as part of such case.

Document Synopsis: The protocol to balance national security interests with a detained Canadian’s consular and human rights. CSIS and DFATD must work collectively to ensure the delivery of consular services to a Canadian citizen requesting them while abroad and detained as part of a national security or terrorism-related case. Canadian citizens are free to travel abroad (under section 6 of the Charter) and have the right to request consular services pursuant to the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, and the provision of consular services to Canadians abroad is one of DFATD’s core functions. DFATD can request CSIS to approach authorities of a foreign state to help facilitate access to a consular officer to the detained Canadian citizen.