FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 13, 2026
BC Association of Chiefs of Police Supports Bill C-22 to Modernize Lawful Access
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA – The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police (BCACP) welcomes the introduction of Bill C-22, federal legislation intended to update Canada’s lawful access framework to reflect the realities of policing in an increasingly digital environment.
The legislation was highlighted today during a press conference in Vancouver involving federal and provincial Public Safety ministers and policing leaders from across British Columbia.
“The landscape of policing has fundamentally changed, with serious crime increasingly occurring online and across borders,” said Deputy Chief Andrew Chan, President of the BCACP. “Bill C-22 is about catching up to that reality while ensuring strong oversight and protections for privacy and Charter rights.”
Police investigations today frequently involve digital evidence. Identifying suspects, locating victims, and preventing further harm often depends on the ability to lawfully determine which service providers may hold information relevant to an investigation.
In many cases, that process can be time-consuming or inconsistent depending on the technology involved or where an investigation occurs. When investigators receive judicial authorization to obtain information, timely access can be critical. Lost time can mean lost evidence, unidentified offenders, and continued risk to victims.
Bill C-22 proposes updates intended to create clearer and more consistent processes for determining where relevant information may exist and for obtaining basic subscriber information following judicial authorization.
Importantly, the proposed legislation does not provide access to the content of communications, such as text messages, emails, social media messages, or browsing history. Access to identifying subscriber information would remain subject to judicial authorization, privacy laws, and Charter protections.
Bill C-22 is also intended to bring greater clarity and consistency to lawful access processes across jurisdictions and technologies, supporting fairness, accountability, and reliability in digital investigations.
Public safety and privacy must work together. Modern investigative tools, combined with strong legal safeguards, help ensure police can protect communities while maintaining public trust.
The BCACP appreciates the collaboration between federal and provincial partners and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police in advancing legislative reforms intended to support effective and accountable policing in Canada.
Media Contact
Leanne MacLeod
Interim Executive Director
BC Association of Chiefs of Police
About BCACP
The British Columbia Association of Chiefs of Police is the professional voice of policing leadership in the province, representing senior police leaders dedicated to promoting public safety and effective, equitable policing services for all communities.