Chris Lewis MP - Essex

Ottawa, ON – Frank Caputo, Conservative Shadow Minister for Public Safety, released the following statement on the Official Opposition’s commitment to passing legislation that is tough on crime while balancing privacy and Charter rights:

“Conservatives are prepared to pass Part 1 of Bill C-22 before we rise for the summer. This would give law enforcement large parts of what they have requested from Parliament. However, Part 2 requires further study on encryption, metadata, significant government powers and secret ministerial orders.

“Part 2 of Bill C-22 raises serious concerns regarding privacy, civil liberties, government powers and other rights. Several major technology companies, including Google, Meta, Apple and others, have raised questions about encryption provisions.

“The rules on storing personal data in Part 2 of the Bill are vague and too broad. It gives the Minister of Public Safety too much power to make decisions in secret, with too little oversight. Powers of this scope should be carefully defined, narrowly targeted and subject to robust oversight.

“These issues are made worse by the Liberals’ attempt at ramming this legislation through committee. We heard from witnesses, but far too quickly. More time is needed. Deeper study is required. Part 2 requires more scrutiny, and Canadians are demanding answers.”