What the new privacy bill means for marketers
The long-anticipated federal privacy bill was tabled in the House of Commons on June 16, 2022.
Bill C-27, if passed, would replace PIPEDA – Canada’s current privacy law for the private sector – with a new law, to be known as the Consumer Privacy Protection Act (CPPA).
In addition, the bill introduces proposals to regulate the use of artificial intelligence through the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act. A new role of Data Commissioner would be created to monitor company compliance.
The CMA issued a statement welcoming the bill, noting the urgent need for a balanced, modernized privacy law. We will be actively involved in the legislative process – making submissions and meeting with officials to provide our perspectives on key aspects of the law.
It is important for marketers to note that for the foreseeable future, PIPEDA will remain in effect.
Before any bill becomes law, it goes through an extensive review process in the House of Commons and the Senate and parts of it could change. Once a bill is adopted, the government determines the date on which it will come into force. The government has acknowledged that organizations will require a reasonable transition period to adapt their processes and train staff to adhere to the new law.
CMA members can access a detailed overview of the privacy aspects of Bill C-27, and non-members can access an condensed version. The CMA will provide a separate brief on the AI components of the bill at a later time.
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Authors:
Sara Clodman, Vice-President, Public Affairs & Thought Leadership
Fiona Wilson, Director, Public Policy & Chief Privacy Officer
