Op-ed

May 14, 2025

The following is an op-ed by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, Philippe Dufresne. A version of this op-ed was published by The Hill Times on May 5, 2025.

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Prioritizing privacy is good for Canada

By Philippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada

Data is one of the most important resources of the 21st century—it can support and fuel innovation, and how it is managed shapes Canada’s ability to lead and thrive in the digital economy.

Privacy Awareness Week, a global initiative to promote awareness of privacy issues and the importance of protecting personal information, is the perfect time to reflect on why prioritizing privacy is good for Canada.

For this new Parliament, prioritizing privacy means introducing and adopting legislation as soon as possible to modernize both the 1983 public sector Privacy Act and the 2001 private sector Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Why is this important? Because we live in a world where more and more of our personal data is being collected, used, and shared, often across borders. Because artificial intelligence, which is fueled by the massive collection of data, is increasingly being used by organizations and individuals. And because technological innovation is enabling advancements across domains, including in trade and commerce, health, services, security, and the environment.

Prioritizing privacy in Canada will support these advancements and position Canadian organizations to succeed in the digital economy – ensuring appropriate safeguards for the personal information of Canadians and their fundamental right to privacy.

Canadians are concerned about what happens with their data.

A recent survey by my Office found that nine in 10 Canadians are concerned about their privacy. Sixty-two percent believe that government respects their privacy rights, while 40% say the same about businesses.

A significant majority are concerned about how their personal information is collected and used—through social media (87%), engaging in online activities (87%), smartphones (86%), and AI tools (83%). Canadians are concerned about their data being sold or shared, used to build marketing profiles, or to make decisions about them. Identity theft is also a top worry, and many do not know what to do if their data is misused or compromised by a breach or cyberattack.

Compared to five years ago, three-quarters of Canadians are less willing to share their personal information with organizations. Many Canadians are also changing their privacy settings, deleting accounts, and walking away from companies that experience a breach.

Their concerns should be taken seriously, as data breaches are bigger than ever, and can expose Canadians to serious potential harms, such as identity theft and fraud.

Trust in how data is handled therefore becomes an essential factor in people’s interactions with government, businesses, and technology. Prioritizing privacy will help to maintain this trust and contribute to a more resilient Canadian economy, as well as a more secure and enriching digital society.

When Canadians have confidence that their data is protected and used responsibly, it supports their well-being today and for future generations while fostering an environment where businesses and public institutions can innovate responsibly and earn public trust.

Prioritizing privacy also reflects our Canadian values and ambitions.

Privacy is a fundamental right that reinforces the freedoms and trust that underpin our democracy and that unite us as Canadians. It reinforces democratic values by protecting freedom, trust, dignity and autonomy—the very things that make democratic and economic participation possible.

Canada needs modernized privacy laws to reflect this modern world. Our federal privacy laws pre-date the modern digital economy, while technologies continue to evolve rapidly. Modernizing Canada’s privacy laws is necessary to fully meet the challenges of today’s data driven world—enabling Canadians to confidently reap the benefits of a digital society, and future-proofing businesses for success.

Modernized privacy laws can help establish clear guardrails for responsible data management, which is essential to support progress and innovation in both the private and public sectors.

We need modernized privacy laws that advance the public interest and foster a strong Canadian economy. This means entrenching privacy as a fundamental right and aligning Canada’s privacy laws with the modern laws of our international trading partners.

Prioritizing privacy protects Canadians. Prioritizing privacy supports Canadian businesses. Prioritizing privacy is good for Canada.