Legislative Update: Bill C-26 Introduces New Requirements For Federally Regulated Industries

On June 14, 2022, the Minister of Public Safety, Marco Mendicino, introduced into Parliament the first reading of Bill C-26, An Act respecting cybersecurity, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts (the "Bill"). The Bill amends the Telecommunications Act and enacts a new Act: the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act ("CCSPA"), establishing a new cybersecurity compliance regime for federally regulated private industries and powers for the Governor-in-Council and the Minister of Industry to order Canadian telecommunication services ("Telcos") to take action to secure the protection of the Canadian telecommunications system, including against threats of interference, manipulation or disruption. Non-compliance with either regime may result in high monetary penalties or imprisonment for individuals.