Liberals Introduce ‘Lawful Access’ Bill to Give Police New Powers to Access Online Data

Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree speaks during a press conference at Cartier Square Drill Hall in Ottawa, on March 12, 2026. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

The Liberal government has introduced a new “lawful access” bill that would give police expanded powers to access certain data from electronic service providers during criminal investigations.

The government introduced Bill C-22, also known as the Lawful Access Act, in the House of Commons on March 12. The new bill contains elements of Bill C-2, introduced last June, but aims to address some of the privacy concerns raised by opposition parties and civil liberties groups.