QUESTION PERIOD — Treasury Board
Privacy Act
April 30, 2026
Government leader, according to a recent article in The Hill Times, the Treasury Board is seeking to modernize the Privacy Act in a troubling way. Among the proposed changes are the reuse and sharing of Canadians’ personal information across federal institutions.
While modernization is important, stakeholders are increasingly concerned about the expansion of governmental access to sensitive data without clear and explicit consent, as well as any robust safeguards. Can you explain how your government intends to balance the Treasury Board’s push for modernization with the fundamental rights of Canadians to privacy, security and control over their personal information?
Thank you, Senator Ataullahjan, for the question. The government is taking the privacy of information of Canadians very seriously. That being said, I will not comment on The Hill Times article, and I cannot speculate on any project or bill that has not been tabled yet despite what is related in the article.
Senator Moreau, Canadians expect transparency and strict limits when it comes to their personal data. What specific safeguards will be put in place to ensure that expanded data-sharing powers do not lead to misuse and the erosion of trust in federal institutions responsible for protecting private information?
Yes, I understand that Canadians expect transparency. That being said, I cannot overlook the rules of our Parliament and talk about bills that have not yet been tabled. It would be against our rules, and you know that very well.
I reiterate that privacy of information concerning Canadians is taken very seriously by the government, and I thank you for your question.
