The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has already expressed its views on the issue of cybersecurity on a number of occasions. First in 2019, with the adoption of a resolution calling on Canadian government bodies to bolster their efforts to combat cybercrime and better inform the public about the dangers of cybercrime. Then in 2021, by adopting a resolution in favour of North American harmonization of data protection and cyber security regulations. This issue has become increasingly significant since then and must remain a priority.

Police departments face a broad range of duties in serving their local communities. The innovation of perpetrators, including forms of fraud against the public and especially businesses have increased demands on local police departments. Large, medium size and smaller police departments have identified a number of specialty teams required within their organizations. {1}

Cybercrime is a real and rapidly growing form of crime affecting our communities in which governments, businesses and individual citizens are targeted across Canada.

Municipal and rural police departments are increasingly strained to meet this rising form of crime and threat to the public and business community, both in terms of crime prevention and investigation.

Cellular development in rural and remote Canada, particularly First Nations communities, is historically underserved. Servicing remote areas and highways is often seen as less profitable compared to financially attractive urban areas, who have higher subscription rates and offer higher return on investment. This contributes to ongoing gaps in coverage, significant safety hazards and supply chains disruptions. Cellular service is vital to the supply chain, enabling real-time communication, data exchange, and quick responses to disruptions. Investing in and supporting cellular development can boost rural and First Nation economic growth and participation, fortify the national supply chain, and establish equitable access to essential services.

The newly introduced Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA) under Bill C-27 aims to bolster the AI sector through funding and regulation.{1} However, as presently formulated, significant deficiencies exist both in its specifics and in its execution. Despite the commendable $2.4 billion allocation for AI{2}, the broad-reaching regulations risk hampering Canada’s global competitiveness. Moreover, the lack of substantial public engagement during the act’s drafting phase leaves numerous concerns unattended. While regulating this burgeoning industry is imperative, it must be done judiciously to ensure that Canadian enterprises retain their competitive edge.