Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree has stated his intention to see Bill C-22, which expands lawful access powers for police and intelligence agencies, passed into law by June 19, coinciding with the House of Commons’ scheduled summer recess.

The proposed legislation would make it easier for law enforcement and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to request and obtain personal data from telecommunications and digital service providers as part of investigations into serious crimes, including terrorism, extortion, and child sexual abuse material offences.

Under the bill, authorities could first confirm whether an individual is a customer of a service provider before obtaining more detailed information through a warrant.

It also introduces requirements for electronic service providers to retain certain types of client data for up to one year, enabling potential access by authorities when legally authorized.

The government argues that such measures are necessary to modernize Canada’s lawful access framework, which it says has not kept pace with technological change and has hindered complex investigations.However, the bill has generated significant opposition from privacy advocates, technology companies, and opposition MPs.

Critics warn that the legislation could undermine digital privacy and potentially force companies to create vulnerabilities in encrypted systems, often described as “backdoors.” Major tech firms such as Apple, Meta, and Google have expressed concerns about the implications for user security.Civil liberties groups also argue that the proposed powers are overly intrusive.

The minister has acknowledged these concerns and indicated that amendments will be introduced to address privacy and security issues, including clarifying that the legislation does not mandate encryption backdoors.

Despite opposition, Anandasangaree insists that law enforcement urgently requires updated tools to conduct modern investigations, and he has urged Parliament to move quickly to advance the bill before the summer recess deadline.