Public Safety

Members’ statements on public safety touched on lawful access legislation for police investigations. David Bexte of the Conservatives said violent crime has risen since 2015 and that police need tools to stop criminals. He said he supports the part of the bill that would help police investigate crimes with judicial authorization, but argued the rest of the bill threatens privacy, and asked that the government pass the first part and rewrite the rest.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text (opens in a new tab)

1 statement

David Bexte, Bow River

Conservative
“Violent crime has gone up, and police need better tools to stop it. I support part of this bill because it helps police investigate crimes with a judge's permission. But the rest of the bill goes too far and threatens people's privacy. The government should pass the first part now and rewrite the rest.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, Canadians are less safe today than they were a decade ago. Violent crime has risen by 55% since 2015. Liberal weak-on-crime policies have left Canadians feeling less secure. Police need effective tools to stop dangerous criminals. With proper judicial authorization, lawful access is key to investigating serious crimes. That is why Conservatives are prepared to support part 1 of Bill C-22. Part 2, though, raises serious questions. I have heard from many of my neighbours who fear elements of this legislation are overreaching. They likely infringe on the privacy rights of law-abiding Canadians. The Canadian Constitution Foundation has warned that part 2 risks creating a “surveillance state”. Canadians should not have to choose between public safety and protecting their fundamental freedoms. The Liberals promised to listen and make changes. Instead, they are ramming a contentious bill through Parliament. The Liberals are ignoring legitimate concerns raised by experts and Canadians. They should be embarrassed. The government should swiftly pass part 1, give police the tools they need and then go back to the drawing board with part 2.

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