Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial information and privacy commissioners and ombuds gathered in Ottawa this week to explore ways to continue to foster public trust in democratic institutions through transparency, privacy protection and independent oversight.
Hosted by Information Commissioner of Canada Caroline Maynard and Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne, the annual meeting brought together information and privacy regulators from across the country to discuss their roles as independent oversight bodies and exchange perspectives on issues affecting their respective jurisdictions.
Privacy-related discussions focused on the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including AI, quantum computing and advanced data-processing systems. Participants examined how privacy intersects with cross-border data flows, digital sovereignty and national resilience.
Participants also discussed how access to information supports transparency and public understanding of government decision-making. They explored how new technologies are changing the way in which government records are created and managed, and the implications for access rights.
Meeting participants heard from experts in government, academia, industry, civil society and the legal community on issues shaping the future of access to information and privacy protection across Canada.
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“Newfoundland and Labrador’s Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 remains the strongest access to information law in Canada. While rapid technological advances underscore the need for robust privacy protections, they also make government transparency more important than ever. Strong privacy protections and meaningful access to government information can and must coexist. As laws evolve to address emerging technologies, we must ensure that any changes strengthen both privacy rights and the public’s right of access to information.”
Kerry Hatfield
Information and Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador
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Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Provincial and territorial collaboration
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