by Frank Bergman
Canada’s Liberal government is facing backlash after introducing a sweeping surveillance proposal that would force companies to collect and store sensitive data on every Canadian, regardless of whether they are suspected of any crime.
Bill C-22, the Lawful Access Act (2026), mandates that electronic service providers retain user metadata for up to one year, making it accessible to law enforcement and intelligence agencies with a warrant.
The metadata includes location data, device information, and other digital identifiers.
Critics warn the legislation effectively treats the entire population as pre-emptive suspects, building a massive database of personal information ready for government access.
Government Defends Mass Data Retention
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree defended the bill as a necessary modernization of outdated laws.
“Canada is woefully behind our most important allies,” he said.
“Technology has moved forward; our laws are stuck in the previous century.”
Justice Minister Sean Fraser stood alongside law enforcement officials as the proposal was unveiled.
RCMP senior deputy commissioner Bryan Larkin argued the expanded powers would improve policing outcomes.
“There’s an actual series of tools here that will eventually lead to greater success, greater efficiencies in police investigations, greater solvency in crime, and, quite frankly, improving the safety of Canadians and, more importantly, addressing the concerns of victims,” Larkin said.
Despite the sweeping scope of the bill, Anandasangaree insisted it does not constitute mass surveillance.