C-8An Act respecting cyber security, amending the Telecommunications Act and making consequential amendments to other Acts
Government bill, introduced in the House of Commons on June 18, 2025
- Status
- Became law on June 15, 2026 · S.C. 2026, c. 9
What it does
Gives the government new powers to secure telecom networks and protect critical cyber systems, with reporting, inspection, and penalty rules.
What it does
- Adds security of the Canadian telecommunications system as a policy goal and lets the Governor in Council or the Minister of Industry order providers to stop using, remove, or change specified products, services, or providers.
- Creates the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act, which lets the Governor in Council designate services or systems and classes of operators in federally regulated sectors.
- Requires designated operators to set up, carry out, and review cyber security programs, manage supply-chain and third-party risks, and report cyber security incidents within up to 72 hours.
- Allows certain federal bodies to share confidential information for these purposes, sets limits on disclosure, and requires disposal of personal information when it is no longer needed.
- Creates compliance orders, inspections, administrative monetary penalties, offences, judicial review rules, annual reporting, and a five-year review of the Act.
Who it affects
- Telecommunications service providers
- Federally regulated operators
- Federal regulators
- National security agencies
- Parliament
Background
Part 1 amends the Telecommunications Act. Part 2 creates a new law for cyber systems linked to services or systems the Governor in Council designates for national security or public safety.
Where it is
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Report stage
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
Senate
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Completed.
Introduced by a cabinet minister on behalf of the government. Government bills get set time for debate, so they are the most likely to become law. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
What MPs said
Each party’s first speech on this bill in the House, from Hansard. Excerpts are the speaker’s opening sentences, unedited.
LiberalGary Anandasangaree· September 26, 2025
“I am grateful to speak today to Bill C-8, an act respecting cyber security, and I want to acknowledge that we are gathered here on the traditional unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin people. Let me also take this opportunity to acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation coming up on September 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caConservativeFrank Caputo· September 26, 2025
“It is a job I absolutely love, and I thank my leader and my party for that and for the support I receive, whether it be on this bill, Bill C-2, or on the private member's bill I just put forward on intimate partner violence last week. I am grateful for those around me and for this opportunity.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caBlocClaude DeBellefeuille· September 26, 2025
“Allow me to read a few paragraphs from the bill to give members a quick idea. The first part is quite simple.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caNDPJenny Kwan· September 26, 2025
“In that respect, I acknowledge that Bill C-8 reflects a pressing reality: Canada must strengthen the resilience of our critical infrastructure. However, in our rush to act, we must also ensure that we get the right balance.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caGreenElizabeth May· March 26, 2026
“I have a few comments regarding the substance of the bill, but in light of the previous speeches, I think I can clarify the situation regarding unrecognized parties, although it is a bit complicated.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.ca
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: Royal assent received. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.