Minister Says Cybersecurity Bill Won’t Be Used to Cut Off Internet Access

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly defended the government’s proposed cybersecurity legislation — Bill C-8 — on Tuesday, insisting it will not be used to disconnect ordinary Canadians from the internet or curb freedom of speech online. The bill, which aims to bolster the security of Canada’s telecommunications networks by amending the Telecommunications Act, has drawn scrutiny for language that appears to grant the minister sweeping powers over service providers.

Critics raised alarms about wording in Bill C-8 that would allow the minister to order a telecommunications service provider to “prohibit or temporarily suspend providing any service to any specified person,” leading to fears the government might use the law to target individuals based on their online conduct. Joly told the House of Commons public safety committee that this interpretation misunderstands the purpose of the bill, which she said focuses squarely on infrastructure and security, not regulating what content Canadians post or access on the internet.

“It is important to be clear about what this bill does not do: it does not allow the government to shut down services for individuals. It does not allow the interception of private communications,” Joly said, stressing that Bill C-8 is about protecting networks from cyber threats, not policing speech or ideas expressed online. She said she is open to amending the bill’s language to make its focus on network security more explicit and avoid misinterpretation.

Bill C-8 would give the industry minister authority to order telecommunications companies to take action in the event of a cybersecurity incident, including requiring development of security plans, removal of potentially vulnerable equipment or services, and reviews of network operations. Those powers are intended to help Canada respond quickly to evolving threats against critical digital infrastructure, such as interference or disruption aimed at finance, energy, transport and communication networks.

Joly also reaffirmed that any question of individual conduct online, including issues such as misinformation or disinformation, should be considered separately under other pieces of legislation — such as the Online Harms Act — rather than under the cybersecurity bill. She said the government’s priority with Bill C-8 is to ensure that telecommunications systems remain resilient amid rising cyber threats while respecting Canadians’ rights and freedoms.

Civil liberties advocates and some cybersecurity researchers have urged lawmakers to examine the bill’s broad powers and non-judicial order authority, warning this could have privacy implications if not properly tailored and limited. Joly acknowledged these concerns and indicated a willingness to work with parliamentarians on clarifying amendments that reinforce protections for individual rights while still enabling rapid government response to legitimate network risks.