An Act respecting lawful access
First major federal 'lawful access' bill since the failed 2012 attempt. Civil-liberties groups and privacy commissioners flagged earlier versions as overbroad; this version restricts demands for browsing history and message content and adds judicial oversight, but the encryption-backdoor concerns from Part 2 remain contested.
Status
Quick learn
Updates police and security-agency powers to access digital information during investigations — faster telecom data requests, emergency-seizure rules, and a requirement that large platforms be technically able to comply with court orders. Civil-liberties groups have flagged the platform-cooperation portions.
Issues this bill touches
- Crime & Public Safety
- Digital Rights
Civil-liberties groups have flagged the encryption-backdoor portions.
- National Security
Lawful Access Act, 2026 — police powers for digital investigations.
Legislative history
- Introduced
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
- First reading
Bill formally introduced; printed text becomes available.
- Second reading
Second reading in the House of Commons.
Official source
Read full text on Parliament of Canada