OTTAWA -- The Canadian government doesn't condone torture, but it may use information gleaned under dubious circumstances abroad if it could prevent a threat against national security.

This is Public Safety Canada's response to news a secret committee deep within CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) was given tools to better assess information received from foreign agencies, as well as whether sharing intelligence with other bodies could lead to mistreatment of individuals abroad.

"Our government does not condone torture and certainly does not engage in (it). However, at all times we will take steps to ensure Canadian life and property is protected from those who wish to harm us," Mike Mueller, a spokesman for Public Safety Minister Vic Toews, told QMI Agency.

The information sharing evaluation committee was formed under a directive from Toews last year to use CSIS's extensive database and human rights reports to evaluate the voracity of intelligence it receives.

Amnesty International, the Civil Liberties Association and other similar groups have responded with outrage, saying the directive is in contravention of Canada's obligation under international law to prevent the torture or mistreatment of prisoners.

Alex Holstein, an Ottawa-based international security expert, sees the committee's job as important and a nuanced response to necessarily complex issues.

Rather than opposing all torture period, Holstein said matters of war and national security are grey areas. If a piece of intelligence can prevent an attack that would harm thousands was gleaned under less than ideal circumstances, Holstein said it is worth using.

"This is exactly what intelligence agencies should be doing," he said.

Paul Dewar, NDP MP for Ottawa-Centre, found news of the committee concerning.

"The Conservatives dissolved one of the oversight bodies of CSIS with the last budget," Dewar said. "So they have just handed over more tools to people who are not elected and who have lots of power. Unfortunately, after 9/11, when governments react, the first casualty is due process. This is just another example."