TORONTO – The Feds appear poised to reform Canada’s digital privacy laws with Tuesday’s announcement of a new digital charter.
Speaking to the Empire Club of Canada, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Navdeep Bains said the ten-point charter outlines what Canadians can expect from the government in relation to issues like universal access to the digital world, safety and security, control over personal data, fair competition in the online marketplace, and keeping digital platforms free from hate and violent extremism.
"Canadians' trust in the digital world is shaken. But in this new age, Canada's competitiveness will depend on our ability to use digital innovation to harness the power of data,” said Minister Bains, in a statement. “Canada's Digital Charter and its 10 principles set the foundation to rebuild Canadians' trust and empower them to reach their full innovative and economic potential. We are building a Canada where citizens have confidence that their data is safe and privacy is respected, unlocking the kind of innovation that builds a strong economy that works for everyone."
Tuesday’s announcement also pledged to update the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and review the Statistics Act.
Minister Bains also said that he wrote to Competition Commissioner Mathew Boswell requesting that the Bureau work with ISED on competition law, policy and practice to ensure that they keep up with the marketplace.
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) expressed its support for modernizing and strengthening Canada’s data, privacy and security regulations, though cautioned against Internet regulations.
"While we strongly believe in the free and open internet, we recognize that the size, scope and complexity of the modern internet has in many ways surpassed the average Canadian’s ability to keep up," said CIRA president and CEO Byron Holland, in a statement. "We believe regulating the internet should always be handled with a light touch and an eye towards maintaining Canada’s position as a global leader online. We look forward to working with the federal government to advance this initiative and stand ready to assist in any way we can."
Photo of Tuesday’s announcement via Minister Bains’ Twitter account
