Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, and the  Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Thursday  announced that Canada has signed the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime; Strengthening International Cooperation for Combating Certain Crimes Committed by Means of Information and Communications Technology Systems and for the Sharing of Evidence in Electronic Form of Serious Crimes.

Canada’s signing of the convention reflects its commitment to working with allies and partners to combat transnational crime, which threatens the economic prosperity and safety of Canadians and their businesses. This landmark treaty provides a legal basis for international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime. It represents a significant step forward in helping countries around the world protect their people against cybercriminals and deliver support to victims. 

By signing it, Canada has joined other countries and partners, including civil society organizations, in supporting the child protection provisions and human rights safeguards embedded in the treaty. The convention’s safeguards are among the strongest found in an international criminal justice treaty.  

Canada and its international partners are committed to ensuring that criminal justice policy is firmly grounded in the rule of law and developed through the meaningful involvement of a broad range of stakeholders.

Cybercrime is a global threat that requires a global response. Canada's signing of the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime reflects our commitment to international cooperation to prevent serious crimes. Together, we will stand up to cybercrime while reinforcing trust in digital technologies and the global fight against transnational crime," Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

“As cyber threats continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, international cooperation is essential to protecting Canadians and ensuring cybercriminals are held accountable. This convention will support the efforts of law enforcement and strengthen our collective ability to prevent and combat cybercrime, while respecting privacy and the rule of law," Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety.

“Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated technologies to commit serious crimes across borders and increase the scale and scope of their criminal activity. Law enforcement needs the right tools to work with international partners, investigate these crimes more quickly, and stop more harm before it happens and hold those involved accountable. Our government is strengthening international cooperation to help keep pace with evolving threats and keep Canadians safe,"  Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency