The federal government says it is prepared to shorten proposed metadata retention requirements under Bill C-22, but it is rejecting calls from the Conservatives to split the controversial legislation into two separate parts.
Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree’s office confirmed Tuesday that the government is open to reducing the length of time electronic service providers may be required to retain certain user metadata, including transmission and location-related data. The current proposal could allow retention for up to one year, a measure that has drawn criticism from privacy experts, opposition parties, and major technology companies.
The government now says it is considering a shorter period of at least six months but less than one year, following consultations on the bill.
Despite that possible amendment, the Liberals are standing firm against Conservative demands to divide the bill. Conservative public safety critic Frank Caputo had urged the government to move quickly on Part 1 of the legislation, which would expand police powers to seek judicial warrants for subscriber information and other data during investigations. Caputo argued that this section has broader support and could provide law enforcement with tools it has requested from Parliament.
However, the Conservatives want Part 2 of the bill studied separately, citing concerns over encryption, metadata retention, expanded government powers, and ministerial orders. That portion of the legislation has become the focus of much of the public debate, with critics warning it could create privacy risks and weaken digital security.
The government dismissed the request, saying splitting the bill is not being considered.
Technology companies, including Google and Apple, have raised concerns about the legislation, particularly around provisions they say could undermine encryption and online security. Privacy advocates have also warned that broad metadata retention powers could expose sensitive information about Canadians’ movements, communications, and digital behaviour.
The public safety minister has previously said the one-year maximum retention period was reasonable, but his office now indicates changes are possible as the bill moves through the House of Commons public safety committee.
The government is expected to propose amendments during the committee’s clause-by-clause review, including changes aimed at making clear that encryption would not be compromised under the legislation.
Bill C-22 remains one of the most closely watched public safety and privacy debates before Parliament, as lawmakers attempt to balance law enforcement needs with civil liberties, digital privacy, and the security of online communications.