Empty chairs at Canada's spy watchdog as government strengthens CSIS

As the government moves to strengthen the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, two of five chairs sit empty on the watchdog agency that oversees the spy service.

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Deborah Grey, who heads the Security Intelligence Review Committee, says she's anxiously awaiting the appointment of two new members to bring the committee up to full strength.

Grey says she has flagged the vacancies to senior government officials.

The Conservative government introduced legislation Monday to solidify CSIS powers to track suspects overseas and more fully protect human sources.

NDP deputy leader Libby Davies says the review committee is already overstretched.

Public Safety Minister Steven Blaney says he has full confidence in the committee's ability to fulfil its role.