Democratic Accountability in Canada’s Proposed Lawful Access Regime

Digital Policy Hub Working Paper

March 13, 2026

Since the Canadian government tabled Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, in June 2025, the bill has raised concerns about providing law enforcement and intelligence agencies with greater surveillance powers through lawful access to data. While some view the move as an attempt to align Canadian law with those of its international allies, critics argue that Canada is giving in to US demands, sacrificing civil liberties and democratic norms as a result.

About the Author

Jamie Duncan is a former Digital Policy Hub doctoral fellow, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto’s Centre for Criminology and Sociolegal Studies and an affiliate of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society. Jamie is an interdisciplinary social scientist studying information policy, technology governance and security.