Leslyn Lewis is criticizing Bill C-22, arguing it overlooks poor internet access in rural communities while expanding government data access. She also warns it could raise privacy risks and costs for rural Canadians, and is pushing for changes.
Haldimand–Norfolk MP and Shadow Minister of Infrastructure Leslyn Lewis is raising concerns about how Bill C-22 could impact rural communities.
The proposed legislation, known as the “Lawful Access Act,” would expand government access to digital information for public safety purposes. Lewis says the bill does not reflect the realities faced by rural Canadians.
“In rural Canada, people are still struggling with basic Internet access and connectivity,” Lewis said during a speech in the House of Commons last week. “Students are still trying to complete their homework with unstable Internet.”
Lewis argues it is unfair to expect rural communities to support a national system when reliable internet service is still not available in many areas. She says access in rural regions should match what is available in larger cities.
She also raised privacy concerns, noting that lower population density in areas like Haldimand-Norfolk could make collected data more identifiable.
“That difference matters when it comes to privacy because data collected in rural Canada is not diluted across thousands of users,” she said.
Lewis is also warning the bill could increase costs for smaller internet providers, which may be passed on to customers.
She says she will continue pushing for changes as Bill C-22 moves through Parliament.
