President of Treasury Board Launches Privacy Act Review
Summary
The President of the Treasury Board, Shafqat Ali, launched a review of the Privacy Act, which governs how over 250 federal institutions collect, use, disclose, and protect Canadians' personal information. The review proposes recognizing privacy as a fundamental right, modernizing data sharing across government programs, and aligning definitions with international standards. Comments on the policy paper will be collected until July 10, 2026, with a consolidated report to be published in Winter 2026-27.
What changed
The Treasury Board of Canada has launched a review of the Privacy Act, the federal legislation governing personal information handling by government institutions. The review proposes modernizing the Act by recognizing privacy as a fundamental right, establishing principles aligned with international standards, and enabling secure data sharing across government programs to improve service delivery and reduce duplication.
Federal institutions, Canadians, and Indigenous peoples are the primary stakeholders affected by potential changes. Organizations should review the policy paper and submit feedback through the online form by July 10, 2026, to inform the modernization process. The final report is expected in Winter 2026-27.
What to do next
- Submit comments via the online form by July 10, 2026
- Monitor for the consolidated report to be published in Winter 2026-27
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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 FactsThe 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 LinksModernizing 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, mohammad.kamal@tbs-sct.gc.ca; Media Relations, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, Telephone: 613-369-9400, Toll-free: 1-855-TBS-9-SCT (1-855-827-9728), media@tbs-sct.gc.ca
Organization Profile
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
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