Introduction of privacy legislation welcome but long overdue

June 16, 2022 – OTTAWA, ON – Mark Agnew, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President, Policy and Government Relations, today issued the following statement upon the government tabling Bill C-27, the proposed updates to Canada’s federal privacy laws.

“It is a welcome development to see the federal government introduce its proposed updates to Canada’s privacy laws, as well as advancing work on Artificial Intelligence policies. The Canadian Chamber has been urging the government to reintroduce the updated privacy legislation since the 2021 election, and we are pleased to see it tabled prior to the House rising for summer recess.

“The business community looks forward to reviewing the legislation in detail and working with Parliamentarians on all sides to see any necessary amendments applied. Finalizing and passing this legislation must be a top priority when the fall session begins.

“Without updated privacy legislation, Canadian business finds itself at a disadvantage. The current privacy regime came into force about 20 years ago. While there have been tweaks since then, it should go without saying that the digital world we live in today is vastly different from when Y2K was a top concern. The law has not kept up with the pace of change, nor with Canada’s international competitors. Today we live in a world where all business is digital business. The so-called lines between ‘digital’ and ‘traditional’ business no longer exist and Canada’s laws must be equipped for this reality, or else our businesses risk falling behind their international counterparts.

“In a digital world, Canadians are connected like never before. Our educated workforce and advanced digital infrastructure give Canada a strong foundation to be a leader in the global digital future, but our international competitors are on the move. As virtual activities continue to increase, businesses and their customers must be confident that their data is protected. We also must also have laws in place that help companies innovate to meet the digital needs of our world.

“Canada needs 21st century privacy legislation to help get the job done. It’s time to get down to work and get Bill C-27 passed without further delay.”

About the Canadian Chamber of Commerce — The Future of Business Success

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most activated business network — representing 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 businesses of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success. From working with government on economy-friendly policy to providing services that inform commerce and enable trade, we give each of our members more of what they need to succeed: insight into markets, competitors and trends, influence over the decisions and policies that drive business success and impact on business and economic performance.

– 30 –

Contact

Emily Walsh
Canadian Chamber of Commerce
E-mail: ewalsh@chamber.ca