Opposition MPs are expressing concerns about a proposed cybersecurity bill which they say would give Ottawa powers to unilaterally shut down internet access for individual users.
Bill C-8 would allow cabinet to secretly block “any specified person” from accessing any telecommunications or internet network it believes necessary to protect the nation, without disclosing the order or the reasons behind it.
Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis said on Oct. 3 that the legislation would “grant the federal government sweeping powers” that contravene Sections 7 and 8 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Lewis, who holds a PhD in international law, said the bill “as it stands would allow the government to deprive individuals of essential services without ever seeing the evidence.”…