An Act to enact the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, to amend the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and to make amendments to other Acts
Bill C-36 replaces Canada's main private-sector privacy law (PIPEDA) with a new, stronger law called the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, which gives Canadians more control over their personal data and sets tougher rules for how businesses collect, use, and share that information.
Sponsor · Hon. Evan Solomon
If a company misuses your personal data — like selling it without your consent or failing to protect it from a breach — you would have stronger rights to complain, seek compensation, and have your data deleted, with fines up to 5% of a company's global revenue for serious violations.
The debate · 6 points
Supporters say
- The bill recognizes privacy as a fundamental right and updates Canada's consumer privacy law to give people more control over their personal data.
- It adds stronger protections for children's information, requiring companies to handle it with extra care.
- It creates a right to have personal data deleted, and gives people a right to an explanation when an automated system makes a significant decision about them, such as one affecting a mortgage or a job.
Critics say
- The bill would create a powerful new digital safety commission with authority over personal data and take that role from the federal Privacy Commissioner. Many key details are left to future regulations, and critics say it lacks clear limits, transparency and a right of appeal.
- Critics say the bill puts much of the responsibility for protecting data on companies. They also question how Canadian data stored on foreign servers would be protected from foreign laws such as the U.S. CLOUD Act, given the lack of sovereign cloud infrastructure.
- Some warn that giving one regulator broad power over data and online activity could lead to state overreach, including surveillance or restrictions on lawful expression, unless strong safeguards are added.
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