Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Anne McLellan today invited applications from Canadians wishing to serve as members of the new Advisory Council on National Security. The Council will provide confidential expert advice on issues related to national security to the Cabinet Committee on Security, Public Health and Emergencies through the National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.

"Today's announcement meets a key commitment that we made when we released the National Security Policy in April of this year," said Minister McLellan. "Our Government is looking forward to receiving external, expert advice to continually improve Canada’s integrated security system."

The Government will select a maximum of 15 members to serve on the Advisory Council through the application process.

The membership of the Council will reflect a diversity of individuals, expertise and experience; and include demonstrated expertise relevant to national security issues among the following areas: intelligence, law and policy, human rights and civil liberties, emergency planning and management, public health emergencies, public safety, transportation security, border security and international security.

The Advisory Council's Terms of Reference and Selection Criteria as well as application forms can be found at www.pco-bcp.gc.ca/acns-ccsn All applications must be received or postmarked by October 31, 2004.

For more detailed information, please call the Security and Intelligence Secretariat at 1 613 957-5279.

For more information:

Alex Swann
Office of the Honourable Anne McLellan
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
(613) 991-2863

François Jubinville
Privy Council Office
(613) 957-5072