Announcement

OPC posts submission to government’s consultation on strengthening Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing regime

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has published its submission to the Department of Finance Canada in response to its Consultation on Strengthening Canada’s Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing (AML/ATF) Regime.

The submission focuses on critical privacy issues related to the proposed modernization outlined in the consultation document.

Finance Canada launched this consultation in support of the upcoming Parliamentary review of the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act. The submission focused on several key areas of interest, including the use of personal information, proposals to broaden Canada’s AML/ATF regime, and challenges with information sharing within the public and private sectors. 

It is the longstanding view of the OPC that changes to the AML/ATF regime be undertaken in a manner that protects the privacy rights of Canadians; that they are underpinned by strong accountability measures; and that the changes take into account the principles of necessity and proportionality.

The OPC welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on this important issue.