Statement by the Privacy Commissioner of Canada on election as Chair of the Global Privacy Assembly

September 19, 2025

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne today issued the following statement regarding his election to the position of Chair of the Executive Committee of the Global Privacy Assembly. The Assembly is comprised of more than 130 data protection and privacy authorities from around the world.

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The Global Privacy Assembly provides international leadership in data protection and privacy. I am extremely honoured to have been elected Chair of the Assembly’s Executive Committee.

Privacy is a global issue requiring global leadership. As personal information flows across borders at unprecedented volumes and speed, working together with domestic and international partners and stakeholders has never been more important.

Collaboration is a central component of my tenure as Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and I am eager to have this opportunity to further contribute to united global efforts to champion privacy in today’s digital, data-driven world.

My motivation to serve as Chair of the Assembly’s Executive Committee is inspired by the knowledge that, through collective efforts, we can achieve the greatest impact in shaping the future of privacy protection worldwide.

As chair, my vision will centre around collaboration on three main themes:

• Addressing the privacy impacts of technology,
• Championing youth privacy, and
• Continuing progress towards strong economies and a high level of data protection in global frameworks, including through data free flow with trust.

My election as Chair is a recognition of long-standing Canadian leadership on the global privacy stage. Having Canada at the table of leading international privacy forums such as the Assembly helps to protect Canadians in the global economy. 

Data is one of the most important resources of the 21st century—it can support and fuel innovation, and how it is managed at this time of unprecedented data-driven change will set the stage for ensuring that individuals can confidently reap the benefits of a digital society, and that organizations can innovate responsibly and earn public trust.

I am committed to fostering a leadership that is inclusive of diverse perspectives and experiences.

Recognizing the global nature of data protection, strategic cooperation among privacy and other regulators, along with engagement with external stakeholders, including civil society, industry, and public institutions, will allow members of the Global Privacy Assembly to maximize our collective voice, impact, and capacity in providing global leadership on data protection in support of individuals and organizations.

This is a pivotal moment for privacy in Canada and around the world.

I look forward to working with all of the members of the Global Privacy Assembly. By prioritizing collaboration and leveraging our combined capabilities, resources, and expertise, we can maximize our impact and shape a future where innovation can flourish, privacy rights are respected, and trust is reinforced.

Related links

News release: Privacy Commissioner of Canada elected to lead international forum of data protection authorities