Minister Doesn't Expect More Changes to Bill C-22

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree says he does not anticipate further Senate amendments to the lawful access reform bill.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Legislative Policy

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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Thursday he does not expect the Senate to make further amendments to Bill C-22, the Liberals' lawful access reform bill. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree told the National Post he does not anticipate further amendments to Bill C-22, the Liberals' lawful access reform bill, from the Senate. Two government watchdogs have recommended changes to the bill in the Senate, while MPs made amendments to it in late spring.

Why it matters

The bill's fate depends on whether the Senate's review produces changes that the government would need to consider. Intelligence Commissioner Simon Noel has said the privacy of Canadians is a central concern in the debate over the legislation.

The available reporting cites no specific vote counts or figures for Bill C-22. The Senate review of the bill is ongoing, and the scope of any changes it may recommend has not been specified.

The players

Gary Anandasangaree

Gary Anandasangaree is Canada's Public Safety Minister, responsible for federal policing and national security agencies.

Simon Noel

Simon Noel is Canada's Intelligence Commissioner, an independent officer who oversees the lawfulness of federal intelligence activities.

The details

Bill C-22 is the Liberals' lawful access reform bill, and MPs passed amendments to it in late spring. Two government watchdogs have since recommended changes in the Senate, but Minister Anandasangaree told the National Post he does not expect further amendments from the upper chamber.

Timeline

  1. Late spring 2026: MPs passed amendments to Bill C-22.

  2. Days before November 10, 2026: Two government watchdogs recommended changes to the bill in the Senate.

  3. Week before November 10, 2026: The minister said he does not anticipate further Senate amendments.

Political Context

Privacy advocates and watchdogs have pressed for stronger safeguards in lawful access proposals, and the Senate review of Bill C-22 is where those concerns are being weighed. Intelligence Commissioner Simon Noel has framed the privacy of Canadians as a central concern, which is the core counter-argument to the government's position.

If the bill becomes law in its current or amended form, it would change how federal police and intelligence agencies can access digital information. Residents would see the effects through the scope of lawful access orders and the privacy protections that accompany them.

The takeaway

The Senate review of Bill C-22 will determine how much weight privacy concerns carry against lawful access goals. Readers tracking the bill should watch for any amendments the upper chamber recommends.

Further reading

For more on how federal bills move through Parliament, see Legislative Policy.

Source note: This article includes information reported by National Post.

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