National security in Canada: A critical perspective of the state's talisman.

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to critically examine the major constituent elements of the State Security system in Canada from a legal perspective. It is a historically-contingent notion essential not for the protection of the population as a whole, but for the preservation of State hegemony, which is directed almost exclusively against left-wing dissent and protest. As the ideological foundation of State Security in Canada, this notion constitutes the politico-legal framework for each of the arms of the State Security hydra, each of which is examined in some depth: (1) crimes against the State, (2) official State secrets, (3) the right of access to government and personal information, (4) the Crown privilege to refuse disclosure of National Security information, and (5) the centrepiece of State Security, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS). While all of the traditional constituents of National Security (subversion, terrorism and espionage) are examined, the overwhelming emphasis of this study is on subversion, protest and dissent. Some areas have been omitted, however, and most notably emergencies legislation, due to time constraints. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)