The federal government has introduced new legislation aimed at giving law enforcement and intelligence agencies expanded tools to investigate crime and protect Canadians in an increasingly digital world.
The proposed Keeping Canadians Safe Act (Bill C-22), announced March 12, would update the Criminal Code and related laws to better address crimes facilitated through modern technology.
Federal officials say the legislation is designed to help police and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service respond more quickly to serious threats, including organized crime, terrorism, and online exploitation.
“Technology has fundamentally changed the nature of crime and how criminal organizations operate,” Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement. “Bill C-22 would strengthen our laws and ensure that law enforcement and CSIS have the necessary tools to investigate these threats quickly, disrupt organized crime, and stop more harm before it happens.”
Proposed legislation aims to modernize laws, improve response to organized and online crime
The government says criminal activity is increasingly enabled by digital networks, allowing offenders to coordinate and carry out crimes such as child exploitation, extortion, human trafficking, and money laundering.
Officials say the bill would allow investigators to obtain basic information earlier in an investigation, helping them secure warrants or production orders more efficiently. It would also improve co-operation with international partners in tackling cross-border crime.
Justice Minister Sean Fraser said modern tools are needed to keep pace with evolving threats.
“Globalized crime networks are using increasingly sophisticated online methods that pose serious risks to public safety,” Fraser said. “Law enforcement needs modern tools to quickly investigate digital threats, disrupt organized crime, and prevent further harm.”
The legislation is also intended to align Canada’s lawful access framework with those of key allies, including members of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance.
Government representatives emphasized that the proposed changes would maintain existing Charter protections and safeguards.
Ruby Sahota, secretary of state for combatting crime, said updating the law is necessary as the digital landscape evolves.
“As the world’s technological and digital landscape continues to evolve, it is critical now more than ever that our laws keep pace,” Sahota said.
Police leaders welcomed the proposed changes, saying current tools have not kept up with the scale and complexity of modern crime. Faster access to information would help officers respond more effectively.
The government says the bill builds on recent efforts to strengthen bail laws, address human trafficking, and combat rising levels of violent and hate-motivated crime.
Bill C-22 must still pass through Parliament before becoming law.