Prime Minister Announces Appointments to the Security Intelligence Review Committee

Mr. Speaker was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1963 with the government of Ernest Manning. After serving nine terms and holding various porfolios over the years in the Alberta Legislature, Mr. Speaker was elected to the House of Commons in 1993. He served there as Reform House Leader until his retirement from political life in 1997.

Mr. McKenna, former Premier of New-Brunswick from 1987 to 1997, was first elected to the provincial legislature in 1982. He was elected leader of the New-Brunswick Liberal Party in 1985.

In accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service Act, Mr. Speaker and Mr. McKenna were sworn into the Queen's Privy Council of Canada.

Established in 1984, SIRC provides an external review of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service's performance of its duties and functions. It also examines complaints by individuals or reports by Ministers relating to security clearances and the national security of Canada. The Committee is required to report annually to Parliament through the Solicitor General.

These appointments are effective immediately.

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