Government of Canada launches review of the Privacy Act

OTTAWA, ON, April 2, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board, launched a review of the Privacy Act. This review will examine the federal law that governs how more than 250 government institutions collect, use, disclose, and protect the personal information of Canadians.

To enhance service delivery, the modernization proposes allowing the secure sharing and reuse of data across government programs when it directly benefits individuals or the public. This includes establishing designated official sources of key data to reduce duplication and improve accuracy.

Updates to the Act's foundation would include recognizing privacy as a fundamental right, adding clear principles and definitions aligned with international standards, and harmonizing processes for requests for personal information. A modernized Act will ensure that privacy legislation meets the needs of Canadians and Indigenous peoples in the digital age.

A policy paper providing detailed proposals is available online for review. Comments and feedback on the policy paper will be collected through the online submission form until July 10, 2026. Consultation meetings will also be held with federal institutions and subject matter experts over the coming months. A report consolidating the findings will be published in the Winter of 2026-27.

Quote

"Safeguarding the personal information of Canadians is essential to maintaining public trust. Updating the Privacy Act will reinforce privacy protections and help ensure government institutions operate in a transparent and accountable manner in the digital age."

• The Honourable Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board

Quick Facts

• The Privacy Act has not been substantially updated since it was implemented in 1983.
• The Privacy Act is distinct from the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) which defines privacy obligations in the private sector.

Associated Links

• Privacy Act
• Privacy Act Modernization
• Modernizing Access to Information
• Digital Privacy Playbook
• Modernizing Canada's Privacy Act – Engaging with people in Canada

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SOURCE Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

Contacts (media): Mohammad Kamal, Director of Communications, Office of the President of the Treasury Board, [email protected]; Media Relations, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Telephone: [phone], Toll-free: 1-855-TBS-9-SCT (1-855-827-9728), [email protected]