Canada's information and privacy regulators collaborate to advance transparency, privacy, and accountability amid rapid technological change

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- 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.

Quotes

"Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and other digital technologies are transforming how Ontario's public institutions collect, use, and manage information, creating new opportunities but also new risks to privacy protections, transparency, and information rights. Meeting with our colleagues from across Canada provides a collaborative space to build and share knowledge and ideas that help all of us collectively in advancing potential solutions and advocating for important changes to be considered by our respective governments."

Patricia Kosseim
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

Related link

• Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: Provincial and territorial collaboration

SOURCE Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario

Media Contacts: Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, [email protected]