Bill C-2 "Strong Borders Act" Part 14: "Lawful Access" Is Back

On June 3, the Canadian government tabled Bill C-2 in Parliament, called "An Act respecting certain measures relating to the security of the border between Canada and the United States and respecting other related security measures" but with a short title of "Strong Borders Act". As the name implies Bill C-2 is mostly about border measures, customs matters, fentanyl and immigration. But not completely. Included in the Bill are Part 14 and Part 15 – both of which should raise concerns for businesses that hold customer information.

Following in the footsteps of past governments, Part 14 of Bill C-2 contains a trojan horse that revives what has come to be known as "Lawful Access". The Bill contains a number of search, seizure and surveillance measures that have nothing to do with the border or fentanyl. In the past, governments have tried – unsuccessfully – to introduce similar measures under the guise of fighting terrorism, child abusers and cyberbullies. Part 14 of