Announcement

Commissioner Dufresne addresses Canada Privacy Symposium 2024

June 10, 2024

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne delivered the opening address today at the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Canada Privacy Symposium 2024 in Toronto.

The annual event brings together privacy professionals from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, as well as regulators from across the country, to discuss privacy protection issues of mutual interest and importance.

In his remarks, Commissioner Dufresne discussed his strategic priorities: protecting and promoting privacy with maximum impact; addressing and advocating for privacy in this time of technological change; and championing children’s privacy rights.

“I believe that achieving the goals set for these priorities will be a collective effort that relies on all of us in our various capacities, so that we can create a future where innovation can flourish, and where privacy is protected,” said Commissioner Dufresne.

Commissioner Dufresne highlighted the work of his Office over the last year to protect and promote the fundamental right to privacy of Canadians, as outlined in his Annual Report to Parliament that was released last week. 

During the IAPP Canada Privacy Symposium, Commissioner Dufresne announced that he will undertake with his UK counterpart, UK Information Commissioner John Edwards, a joint investigation into a privacy breach at the genetic-testing company 23andMe, which was discovered in October 2023.

Commissioner Dufresne also announced the launch of an exploratory consultation on age-assurance systems, to seek input from stakeholders on issues related to age assurance and privacy, which will help to inform subsequent policy and guidance development. In his remarks, the Privacy Commissioner underscored the importance of engaging and collaborating with domestic and international partners and stakeholders to meet the privacy challenges of our time and ensure that the fundamental right to privacy is protected for current and future generations.