A coalition of Canadian experts, academics, and organizations is calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to take immediate action to protect Canada’s digital sovereignty. In an open letter released recently, the group emphasizes the need for stronger regulations to safeguard the digital economy from foreign influence, particularly from the United States.

The letter, signed by 26 organizations and 43 individuals, highlights that Canada’s digital infrastructure is heavily reliant on U.S. tech giants. Barry Appleton, an international trade lawyer and one of the signatories, stated, "We can’t afford to keep it on the backburner any longer. We don’t have a comprehensive, coherent, collective trade and digital policy in Canada that protects Canadians."

Signatories include notable figures such as author Margaret Atwood, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, and former Assistant Privacy Commissioner Heather Black. They argue that Canada must act to secure its digital economy, as 90% of the country’s internet traffic is routed through the U.S. or U.S.-based companies. The letter warns that this dependence leaves Canada vulnerable to external pressures and influences.

The group urges the government to implement several key measures. These include launching public consultations on digital sovereignty, conducting an independent threat assessment of Canada’s digital infrastructure, and updating existing legislation such as the Consumer Privacy Protection Act and the Online Harms Act. The letter also calls for the revival of the digital services tax (DST), which was rescinded in June amid threats from the Trump administration. The DST would have imposed a three percent tax on revenues earned by tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Meta from Canadian users.

Additionally, the letter criticizes Bill C-2, known as the Strong Borders Act, which was introduced in June. Critics argue that the bill enhances law enforcement's access to Canadians' information without sufficient oversight. Teresa Scassa, a signatory and Canada Research Chair in information law and policy at the University of Ottawa, expressed concerns about the lack of debate surrounding the bill, stating, "There is a whole bunch of stuff in there over which there has not been enough debate, study, consideration, thought and content that poses serious risks to Canadians."

The letter also defends the Online Streaming Act, which subjects online streaming platforms to Canadian broadcasting laws. The signatories urge the government not to yield to pressure from foreign tech and media companies regarding this legislation.

As Canada navigates its relationship with the U.S., the signatories stress the importance of establishing a robust digital regulatory framework. They argue that without such measures, Canada risks having its digital policies dictated by external forces, particularly in light of ongoing trade tensions. Appleton emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "It has become more important for Canada to exert its own digital regulatory policy or risk having it dictated by the U.S."

The Prime Minister's Office has been contacted for a response to the letter but has not yet provided any comments.