Canadas spies face yet another rebuke over failure to keep judges informed – National [Video]

Canada’s two main spy agencies were rebuked by the Federal Court on Tuesday for failing to keep judges informed on how they handle Canadians’ identifying information.

The court ruling is another in a line of decisions suggesting the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) had again failed its “duty of candour” to be upfront with judges who approve intrusive surveillance warrants.

“CSIS’s failure to live up to its obligation in this regard appears to have been an institutional failing, rather than a failing of any particular individual or individuals,” wrote Paul Crampton, chief justice of the Federal Court, in the ruling.

“This failing goes to the heart of CSIS’s relationship with the court. It is a matter of institutional trust. It is incumbent upon CSIS to continue its recent efforts to do better.”

At issue is the disclosure of identifying information about Canadians given to CSIS by the Communications Security Establishment …