OPINION: Safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty, economy, democratic institutions depends on strengthening our cybersecurity posture

In today’s rapidly evolving geopolitical climate, one issue transcends political divides: the need to protect Canada from foreign interference. Whether facing the economic and technological ambitions of China or the cyber aggression of Russia, safeguarding our national interests is an urgent, nonpartisan priority. At the heart of this challenge lies cybersecurity — an issue that must remain front and centre as the incoming federal government determines its priorities. The cyber threat landscape is shifting at an unprecedented pace, driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). These innovations, while offering tremendous opportunities for progress, are also being leveraged by state-sponsored and criminal actors to exploit vulnerabilities, disrupt infrastructure, and undermine democratic institutions. As Commissioner Marie-Josée Hogue found in her inquiry into foreign interference in Canada: “Foreign interference will never be completely eradicated, and it will always be necessary to be vigilant and fight against it. Democracies around the world are under attack from all sides, and the technological resources available to malicious actors are multiplying. All of us who live in Canada must confront these challenges, together.” Despite proactive efforts by both the public and private sectors, malicious entities continue to refine their techniques, necessitating a robust, forward-thinking response from our government. Cybersecurity is no longer a niche issue — it is fundamental to our economic stability, national security, and democratic integrity. That is why Canada must prioritize strengthening its cyber posture, not just domestically but in collaboration with its closest allies. Investments in cybersecurity must be accelerated to ensure that Canada is not left vulnerable to the increasingly sophisticated tactics of adversarial nations. To address these mounting threats, the next federal government must take decisive steps to bolster our cybersecurity framework. This starts with reintroducing Bill C-26 to protect critical infrastructure, which was a significant step forward in fortifying Canada’s cyber resilience. This legislation aimed to establish the Critical Cyber Systems Protection Act, ensuring that critical infrastructure — such as energy grids, financial networks, and telecommunications — remains safeguarded against cyber threats. Given the rising sophistication of cyberattacks, the government must reintroduce and expedite the passage of this bill as a matter of national security urgency following the election. Securing Canada’s cyber infrastructure requires more than just strong legislation — it necessitates a strategic approach to supply chain security rooted in Five Eyes (FVEY) quality solutions that protect Canada’s data, its sovereignty, and national security. While the cloud supply chain can be complex given all the different layers, components, and sources, it can be effectively managed with the right strategy and technology to safeguard networks and personnel while also reducing complexity and increasing productivity. This approach will help maintain Canada’s digital sovereignty while enhancing national security. One of the most effective ways to outpace cyber threats is through deeper collaboration between government agencies and the private sector. The launch of the Canadian Cyber Defence Collective (CCDC) in the National Cyber Security Strategy is an encouraging step, but Canada must go further. The government should leverage key learnings from the Joint Cyber Defence Collaborative (JCDC) in the U.S. and prioritize engagement with C-suite leaders in the private sector to accelerate information sharing. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue — it is a national security imperative that demands immediate and sustained investment. Canada must not lag behind its global counterparts in developing resilient digital infrastructure, securing critical supply chains, and fostering collaborative cyber defence initiatives. The federal election presents a critical opportunity for party leaders to advocate for stronger international cooperation on cyber threats, reinforcing a commitment to protecting both domestic and allied interests. At a time when political leaders of all stripes agree on the importance of defending against foreign interference, cybersecurity must be the unifying theme that drives our national security agenda. Canada’s ability to safeguard its sovereignty, economy, and democratic institutions depends on it. The time to act is now. Having worked for companies such as Bell, Cisco, and Zscaler advancing cybersecurity strategies at all levels of government, Heather Black now leads Palo Alto Networks' Canadian Public Sector practice as RVP and Canadian public sector leader. The Wire Report welcomes submissions of opinion pieces from outside contributors who are knowledgeable on the subject matter discussed. For more information on what should be included with opinion piece submissions, click here: hilltimes.com/submit-an-article. Submissions can be sent to editor Hannah Daley at hdaley@thewirereport.ca. To see previous opinion piece submissions, click here: thewirereport.ca/tag/opinion/.

OPINION: Safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty, economy, democratic institutions depends on strengthening our cybersecurity posture

Opinion |
By Heather Black
| April 28, 2025

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OPINION: Safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty, economy, democratic institutions depends on strengthening our cybersecurity posture

Opinion | By Heather Black | April 28, 2025

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Opinion |
By Heather Black
| April 28, 2025