C-8Government of CanadaLIBERAL

An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts

An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts. Reintroduction of the 44th Parliament's C-26, which stalled at second reading over civil-liberties concerns about ministerial powers. The 45-1 version narrows those powers. Designates federally regulated critical-infrastructure sectors (telecommunications, finance, energy, transportation) under a new Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act framework. Requires operators to: report cyber incidents to the Communications Security Establishment within 72 hours, maintain a cybersecurity program meeting federally set standards, and submit to compliance audits. Maximum penalty $15 million per violation. Sponsored by Mélanie Joly as Minister of Public Safety.

Sponsored by Dominic LeBlancIntroduced June 18, 2025Last activity last monthSession: 45-1

Status

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Introduced

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1st Reading

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2nd Reading

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Committee

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Report

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3rd Reading

Royal Assent

Quick learn

Federal cybersecurity bill. Requires telecoms, banks, pipeline operators, and other critical-infrastructure companies to report cyberattacks and follow federal cybersecurity standards. Reintroduction of the 44th Parliament's C-26 with narrower ministerial powers.

Issues this bill touches

Affordable Internet & Digital Equity
Cyber security standards on federally regulated telecoms also affect rural and remote broadband deployment commitments.
Digital Rights
Expands ministerial powers to direct telecoms on national-security grounds. Privacy advocates have flagged judicial-oversight gaps.
National Security
Requires federally regulated critical-infrastructure operators (telecom, banking, energy) to report cyber incidents and meet baseline security standards.

Legislative history

First readingJune 18, 2025
First reading in the House of Commons.
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Second readingOctober 3, 2025
Second reading in the House of Commons.
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IntroducedOctober 8, 2025
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
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IntroducedMarch 11, 2026
Tabled in the originating chamber by the sponsor.
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Third readingMarch 26, 2026
Third reading in the House of Commons.
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First readingMarch 26, 2026
First reading in the Senate.
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Second readingApril 23, 2026
Second reading in the Senate.
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Third readingApril 30, 2026
Final debate and vote in the originating chamber.
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Third readingMay 8, 2026
Final debate and vote in the originating chamber.
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