MPs hear surveillance concerns over federal 'lawful access' bill
Digital rights group OpenMedia tells Parliament the proposed legislation would dangerously expand police and intelligence powers while weakening Canada's economy.
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A federal bill intended to help police and intelligence services investigate modern crime drew sharp criticism Tuesday from digital rights advocates who say it represents a major threat to privacy and Canada's competitiveness.
Matt Hatfield, executive director of OpenMedia, told MPs studying the bill that limited amendments will not salvage the proposed legislation. The government says the bill will ensure law enforcement agencies have the legal tools to prevent, investigate and respond to modern crime while respecting the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Opponents argue the legislation unnecessarily expands the powers of police and intelligence agencies, endangers the privacy of Canadians, and makes Canada a less attractive place to do business. The bill would allow for regulations requiring electronic service providers to retain metadata — digital traces of a communication, but not the email or text itself — for up to one year.
Hatfield argued that democracies do not keep a filing cabinet of every citizen's sensitive information in case it's useful to spies or police. The debate reflects a broader tension between security and privacy that has intensified as law enforcement seeks digital tools to combat evolving crime.