CBC News - Posted: Oct 26, 2012 2:02 PM PT

The Canadian Association of Police Chiefs is calling on the federal government to pass its controversial internet surveillance bill so police can fight cybercrime more effectively.

Association president and Vancouver police Chief Jim Chu says he is concerned Bill C-30 will die on the order paper, meaning officers investigating criminal activity on cellphones and the internet will still have to get a warrant every time they want to intercept communications by cybercriminals.

"Law enforcement continues to be handcuffed by legislation introduced in 1975, the days of the rotary telephone," said Chu on Friday morning in Vancouver.

Bill C-30 was introduced by Public Safety Minister Vic Toews last winter and was immediately criticized by many groups concerned about the sweeping powers it would give the government to track the ordinary activities of citizens online without judicial oversight.

Bill C-30 stalled in the House

The legislation was tabled in the House but has not been debated since a massive public backlash when it was released.

Chu insists it's not about spying - He said; if Bill C-30 passes, internet and cellphone providers will have to release the name, address, phone number, email and IP information of suspects to police - That's essential in this era of gangsters and cyberbullies, Chu said.

"Like the chief said, I can tell you right now, there are gangsters out there, communicating about killing someone...said Lemcke".

Critics question unchecked powers

Section 34 of the bill essentially would give any government appointed agents, who may or may not be a police or intelligence officer, the right to access and copy any information and documentation collected by internet providers and telecommunications companies, without the need for a warrant, judicial oversight or even a criminal investigation.

Full story: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/story/2012/10/26/bc-...