The act replaces certain key oversight bodies, and expands oversight to include a new Agency that reviews the actions taken on behalf of the Government of Canada by its national security agencies, as well as an Officer of Parliament that has quasi-judicial authority to review such actions, and make a report to the Prime Minister and Parliament.
NSIRA replaces functions handled by SIRC, including: Part II of the act establishes the position of the Intelligence Commissioner, an independent officer of Parliament.
It also includes provisions granting immunity from prosecution for members of CSIS who utter forged documents in the course of their duties when establishing a covert identity.
Part VI provides a mechanism for the Minister of Transport to collect personal information from registered Air Carriers within Canada for the purpose of screening.
Part VIII makes changes to the Youth Criminal Justice Act in regards to various recognizance orders, including those related to terrorism.