Strengthening Canada’s cybersecurity defences: a call to action

In an age where the digital realm intertwines seamlessly with our daily lives, cybersecurity threats loom large. Canada, being a global leader in technology and innovation, finds itself at the crossroads of this digital age, facing a myriad of cyber threats emanating from foreign governments and non-state actors alike. At the forefront of Canada's cybersecurity concerns are the evolving tactics employed by foreign governments to infiltrate and compromise critical infrastructure, government networks, and sensitive data repositories. From state-sponsored espionage to cyberwarfare tactics aimed at disrupting essential services, threats are constantly evolving, presenting new challenges for Canadian cybersecurity agencies and policymakers. Readers familiar with the work of the House Public Safety and National Security Committee (SECU) will recall many of these topics of concern explored through the committee’s study and assessment of Canada’s security posture in relation to Russia, tabled in the House in March of 2023, with recommendations to the government. One of the primary concerns is the growing sophistication of cyberattacks orchestrated by adversarial nations. Whether it's the theft of intellectual property, election interference, or the spread of disinformation, foreign actors are leveraging advanced techniques to exploit vulnerabilities in our nation's digital infrastructure. These threats undermine national security, and pose significant risks to the economy, public safety, and democratic institutions. Canadian businesses, both large and small, are increasingly becoming targets of cyberattacks, posing significant risks to their operations, finances, and reputation. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, the impact of cyber incidents on businesses can be devastating, leading to financial losses, legal liabilities, and erosion of consumer trust. The province of Newfoundland and Labrador, in recent years, experienced the theft of private, personal medical records of thousands of patients, with far-reaching consequences. Empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to safeguard their digital lives is paramount in building a cyber-resilient society. This entails practicing good cyber hygiene habits such as using strong, unique passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics. The Government of Canada has an important role to play, and a responsibility in ensuring the data of Canadians is secure and protected. The Chinese-owned TikTok app, for example, has been in the media of late with fears of possible Chinese government oversight at the forefront. U.S. President Joe Biden recently signed into law a ban on the app that will take effect in that country unless it is sold within one year to an American-owned company. Several years ago, the Canadian government banned the app on all federally regulated devices borne of similar concern. SECU conducted its study of government Bill C-26, An Act respecting Cybersecurity, Amending the Telecommunications Act and Making Consequential Amendments to other Acts, and reported it back to the House, with many amendments, on April 19, 2024. As I expressed through an op-ed in The Hill Times back in October 2022, Bill C-26 grants the minister of public safety wide-reaching powers exempt from scrutiny under the Statutory Instruments Act that include bringing secret evidence to secret hearings, and provides for judges to deliver rulings on that evidence, which is not provided, even in summary, to applicants or their legal representation. In relation to Bill C-26, the establishment of a Special Advocates Program at Public Safety Canada to increase judicial transparency has been strongly recommended by a coalition of seven organizations and academics: Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Canadian Constitution Foundation, International Civil Liberties Monitoring Group, Ligue des Droits et Libertés, National Council of Canadian Muslims, OpenMedia, Privacy and Access Council of Canada, professor Andrew Clement, and Dr. Brenda McPhail. The government would do well to heed this recommendation, ensuring the privacy of Canadians is protected while government agencies take steps to increase cybersecurity. Canada stands at a critical juncture in its cybersecurity journey, facing an ever-evolving array of digital threats from foreign governments and malicious actors. To safeguard our nation's digital future, concerted efforts by our federal government are needed to strengthen cybersecurity defences, bolster resilience against emerging threats, and empower Canadians to protect themselves in an increasingly interconnected world. Only through collaborative action and collective vigilance can we navigate the complexities of the digital age and secure a safer, more resilient future for Canada and our citizens. NDP MP Alistair MacGregor, who represents Cowichan-Malahat-Langford, B.C., is his party's public safety and national security critic. The Hill Times

Strengthening Canada’s cybersecurity defences: a call to action

To safeguard our nation's digital future, concerted efforts by the federal government are needed to strengthen cybersecurity defences, bolster resilience against emerging threats, and empower Canadians to protect themselves in an increasingly interconnected world.

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Strengthening Canada’s cybersecurity defences: a call to action

To safeguard our nation's digital future, concerted efforts by the federal government are needed to strengthen cybersecurity defences, bolster resilience against emerging threats, and empower Canadians to protect themselves in an increasingly interconnected world.

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