News release: Privacy Commissioner of Canada appears before Senate Committee to discuss Bill C-25

Privacy Commissioner of Canada appears before Senate Committee to discuss Bill C-25

Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne appeared today before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs to discuss the privacy implications of Bill C-25, the Strong and Free Elections Act.

In his remarks, Commissioner Dufresne noted that Bill C-25 would introduce certain privacy-protective obligations for political parties, such as safeguarding requirements for personal information and an obligation to report privacy breaches to affected individuals.

The Commissioner recommended additional elements that are necessary to enhance protections for the personal information of electors, including requirements to obtain consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information and breach reporting to an independent regulator.