Mendicino and Champagne say cyber security bill protects infrastructure; NDP wants more reporting requirements

The two ministers responsible for the Act Respecting Cyber Security (ARCS) defended the legislation Tuesday while the Opposition worries they are letting companies hide cyber attacks. Bill C-26 was introduced on Tuesday by Public Security Minister Marco Mendicino and Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne. “We also have to be eyes wide open about possible threats to our critical cyber infrastructure,” Mendicino said at a news conference after the bill was tabled. “Ransomware attacks, espionage, cyber attacks, foreign interference, the conduct of hostile state actors and their proxies are all part of the national security landscape.” His colleague Champagne emphasized that the amendments in the legislation will permit the removal of the threat of disruption. He sad that the legislation will give the government the authority to prohibit Canadian telecom service providers from using services and products from "high-risk" suppliers. “We all recognize here in Canada that our telecom infrastructure is among the most important and most critical infrastructure in our country to ensure the safety and prosperity of all Canadians.” The pair of ministers had announced the ban on equipment from Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. and ZTE Corp. back in May. No gear from the firms may be used in 5G networks and must eventually be removed from 4G grids. Champagne was adamant that companies will not be reimbursed for equipment already deployed. “I’ve been clear last time, there will be no compensation,” he maintained. “And part of the reason for that, and I’ve said it before, our telecom network in Canada, as you know well, largely excludes already equipment from ZTE and Huawei. That’s certainly the case in 5G. In 4G, that’s why we left, also, a period of time for people to be able to replace the equipment.” Champagne also stated that the bill goes beyond Huawei and ZTE and looks to the future. This will protect a critical bit of infrastructure. But New Democrat MP Alistair MacGregor is calling for greater reporting requirements in the bill. “Although rules similarly exist for companies to report data breaches to the government under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), many companies choose not to report–and instead risk fines to save face from backlash,” the public security critic said in a statement Tuesday. “The NDP will review today’s proposed bill for mandatory reporting closely. We believe that it is important that companies report cybercrimes to protect people.” In his news conference, Mendicino maintained that reporting will be mandatory for companies but safeguards are in place to protect trade secrets. Government programs that ensure national security is respected will also be in place, the minister asserted. Disclosure of private information could be subject to fines of up to $15 million. One reporter worried that such a clause could endanger journalists “I think it’s important to send a very powerful signal that when the government is partnering with the economy, when we’re partnering with industry leaders in those vital sectors, that we also have an obligation to protect information that is sensitive to them,” the public safety minister said. “But, of course, it does not, in any way, intend to interfere with your job in reporting.” Conservative public safety critic Raquel Dancho did not respond to a request for comment. –Reporting by Paul Park at ppark@thewirereport.ca and editing by Michael Lee-Murphy at mleemurphy@thewirereport.ca

Mendicino and Champagne say cyber security bill protects infrastructure; NDP wants more reporting requirements

News | June 15, 2022

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Mendicino and Champagne say cyber security bill protects infrastructure; NDP wants more reporting requirements

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