Announcement

Commissioner announces plans for stakeholder consultation

November 19, 2021

Speaking today at the annual Canadian Bar Association Access to Information and Privacy Law Symposium, Commissioner Daniel Therrien announced he would launch a consultation with stakeholders as his office prepares for a period of transition that includes federal privacy law reform.

The consultation will begin in March and will examine how the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) could enhance engagement with stakeholders on guidance and advisory work. It will also seek views on the procedural safeguards that should apply to the exercise of new order making powers.

“My office is committed to fairness and transparency in all of our processes,” says Commissioner Therrien. “While we await the tabling of legislation, we believe it is valuable to hear from stakeholders at this early stage of the transition process.”

In 2020, the government introduced Bill C-11 to reform Canada’s federal private sector privacy law, which died on the order paper when the election was called. That bill required the OPC to consult stakeholders in conducting certain aspects of its work. We agree with this principle.

While our Office has frequently consulted in the past, for instance in developing key guidance, we want to hear from stakeholders on how we could deepen these engagements and better serve the needs of Canadians. We also want to make our investigative processes more transparent in light of expected changes to our enforcement powers.

More details on the consultation will follow in the New Year.