Exploring Canada’s Bill C-26: Opportunities for Critical Infrastructure and Cybersecurity Research
The passage of Bill C-26, formally titled “An Act Respecting Cyber Security (ARCS),” represents a significant step forward in protecting Canada’s critical infrastructure. As a multi-sectoral piece of legislation, it is designed to address emerging cyber threats in federally regulated critical infrastructure sectors, including telecommunications, finance, energy, and transportation. As NC-CIPSeR and the Energy Sector Task Force engage with government, industry, and academia to understand the impact and opportunities brought by this legislation, the research community has an opportunity to contribute significantly to its successful implementation and advancement.
Bill C-26 brings two crucial legal frameworks: amendments to the Telecommunications Act and the introduction of the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act (CCSPA). Together, they provide new powers to enforce cyber security in Canada’s critical infrastructure. Key questions raised by this legislation include:
The Bill’s scope in relation to the Telecommunications Act includes adding security as a policy objective, introducing enforcement measures, and compelling telecommunications service providers to act upon identified cyber threats. Meanwhile, the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act (CCSPA) compels designated operators to implement cybersecurity programs, address supply chain risks, and report incidents to the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security.
Bill C-26 opens numerous avenues for collaborative research between academic institutions like Carleton University and NC-CIPSeR, government bodies, and the private sector. Below are several key areas for exploration:
The cross-sectoral regulatory regime introduced by the CCSPA is a new frontier for Canada’s critical infrastructure sectors. Research on the effectiveness of regulatory measures in driving compliance across sectors, especially in energy and telecommunications, could provide crucial insights. Additionally, studies on the balance between regulation and innovation in these sectors would support future policymaking efforts.
With growing interdependencies between sectors such as energy, telecommunications, and finance, Canada’s critical infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable to coordinated cyberattacks. The Energy Sector Task Force can lead research on building cyber resilience by conducting scenario-based assessments, developing sector-specific cybersecurity protocols, and creating frameworks for cooperation between these industries.
The globalized nature of critical infrastructure supply chains introduces significant risks. The CCSPA mandates addressing third-party risks, which invites further research on the development of secure supply chains. What methodologies can be developed to reduce vulnerabilities in essential technologies such as 5G or energy grid components?
The Pulse and Praxis Journal provides a platform for knowledge translation. By publishing white papers and in-depth research articles focused on Bill C-26, we can contribute to a growing body of literature that supports cybersecurity policy and practice. These papers could explore real-world case studies on how cyber threats have impacted critical infrastructure and propose mitigation strategies that other sectors can adopt.
Stakeholder engagement is critical to understanding the on-the-ground challenges industries face when implementing new cybersecurity measures. NC-CIPSeR can host workshops with industry leaders, policy makers, and researchers to exchange ideas, identify gaps, and drive actionable insights.
As NC-CIPSeR continues its mission of protecting Canada’s critical infrastructure, Bill C-26 offers a timely opportunity to shape cybersecurity policy and research. Through collaborative efforts with the Energy Sector Task Force, academia, and industry stakeholders, we can advance innovative solutions that help address the emerging cyber threats facing Canada.
For more detailed information on Bill C-26, you can visit:
This is a moment for research, innovation, and strategic collaboration to enhance Canada’s cyber future. Let’s seize the opportunity.
Image Source: Created by ChatGPT using DALL·E, based on user input (Steckly, 2024).
