In search of balance: must Canadians choose between security & freedom?

The problem this work will examine is the democratic deficit that currently exists in Canada in relation to oversight of the national security program. It is argued that the bodies tasked with monitoring security and intelligence activities are incapable of acting as an effective check on state power due to persistent under-resourcing and the absence of authority to issue binding recommendations. This project will present a legislative based oversight model that has the capacity to mitigate the risk posed by counter-terrorism investigations. As confidence in the existing oversight framework has been severely eroded as a result of the mishandling of the investigation involving Maher Arar it is clear the time has come to establish an accountability regime capable of ensuring that agencies are conducting security operations in a manner in harmony with the rule of law and international human rights standards.