Minister Assures Canadians Cybersecurity Bill Won’t Limit Internet Access

Industry Minister Melanie Joly has clarified that the federal government’s proposed cybersecurity legislation, known as Bill C-8, will not be used to disconnect Canadians from the internet due to their online behavior. During a session with Members of Parliament (MPs) on Tuesday, Joly emphasized that the bill aims to enhance the security of telecommunications in Canada, not to regulate individual expression or communication.

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Telecommunications Act, prioritizing cybersecurity within Ottawa’s telecommunications strategy. It grants the government the authority to compel service providers to take action during cybersecurity incidents. Specifically, the bill allows the industry minister to issue orders for the removal of equipment or services from networks deemed to pose a security risk, without requiring judicial review.

Concerns have emerged surrounding a clause that permits the minister to order a service provider to prohibit or temporarily suspend services to any specified individual. Joly sought to assuage these fears, stating, “It does not allow the government to shut down services for individuals. It does not allow the interception of private communications.” She stressed the distinction between protecting infrastructure and regulating online speech, asserting, “Infrastructure security is not freedom of speech.”

To further clarify the bill’s intent, Joly expressed willingness to amend the language to ensure it only pertains to telecommunications systems and critical infrastructure. “The term ‘person’ was defined as basically ‘companies,’ and so I think it was just lost in translation,” she explained. She indicated an openness to including specific amendments that would underscore the bill’s focus on protecting telecommunications networks rather than monitoring online content.

The minister also reiterated the bill’s clear aim of addressing threats to telecommunications infrastructure, particularly highlighting the removal of 5G technology from banned Chinese firms Huawei and ZTE. Introduced last fall, Bill C-8 replaces the previously tabled Bill C-26, which was sent back to the House of Commons following amendments in the Senate.

Civil liberties organizations and cybersecurity experts, including those from the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab, have voiced concerns about the warrantless powers that the bill could grant. These concerns include the potential collection of personal information under orders issued by the minister, even though the bill designates such information as confidential. Federal Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne has echoed these apprehensions, advocating for his office to be informed of major cybersecurity incidents and privacy breaches.

During the committee meeting, Joly maintained that the government must act decisively in response to cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure. Oversight of actions taken under Bill C-8 would fall to Parliament and bodies like the National Security and Intelligence Review Agency and the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians.

When questioned by Conservative MP and public safety critic Frank Caputo about public trust in the government regarding these expanded powers, Joly referenced the results of the most recent federal election to bolster her argument. “I think Canadians have already given trust in our government,” she remarked, suggesting that the opposition’s seating arrangements at the committee were not reflective of the electorate’s confidence.

As discussions continue, the government’s intent to enhance cybersecurity while addressing civil liberties concerns remains a critical focus for lawmakers and citizens alike.