Hon. Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Public Safety: Thank you very much, senator, for the question. I would begin by stating that we are on an appropriately high alert for potential attacks against our cyberinfrastructure. We are living in a very unique moment right now where there are geopolitical events, including in Ukraine but also elsewhere — even here on Canadian soil with the events over the past number of weeks and months — that require that we put in place the necessary investments, tools and supports to ensure that we can protect our cyberspace.

It’s important that — as you pointed out — we move forward with the legislation that gives the appropriate supports for our national security apparatus but, equally, that we work closely with the private sector. Essential work is being done by the Communications Security Establishment, or CSE, and the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security to ensure there is education and support in the way of smart cyberhygiene around two-factor password authentication — as well as good, smart practices when it comes to using our mobile devices and other sensible approaches — so that we can ensure that our national interests, security and economy are protected and we can continue to grow and advance with all of the opportunities that lie before us.