In memoriam

In memoriam: The Honourable Claude Bisson, O.C.

The Office of the Intelligence Commissioner notes with sadness the passing of the Honourable Claude Bisson.

On June 19, 1996, Mr. Bisson was appointed as the first Communications Security Establishment (CSE) Commissioner. He served as CSE Commissioner until June 2003. The position of CSE Commissioner transitioned to the Intelligence Commissioner in 2019.

His mandate was to review the activities of CSE, Canada's national cryptologic agency, for the purpose of determining whether they were in compliance with the laws of Canada. His work as CSE Commissioner established the foundation and set the tone for security and intelligence reviews.

“He paved the way for all the Commissioners who followed him. In the world of intelligence oversight the task must be assumed with tact and firmness taking into account the issues under study. Justice Bisson accomplished this work brilliantly,” noted Intelligence Commissioner Simon Noël.

The Office of the Intelligence Commissioner extends its sympathy to the family and friends of Chief Justice Bisson.