Bill C-36 Reopens Canada’s Privacy Reform Track With AI Governance Consequences
Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne welcomed Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, highlighting proposed recognition of privacy as a fundamental right, children’s interests, privacy impact assessments and stronger enforcement powers.
BY TRANSATLANTIC DESK · JUNE 17, 2026 · 1 MIN READ
Privacy Commissioner Philippe Dufresne welcomed Bill C-36, the Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act, highlighting proposed recognition of privacy as a fundamental right, children’s interests, privacy impact assessments and stronger enforcement powers. The bill would move private-sector privacy responsibilities to a proposed Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission with order-making and penalty powers. Even where AI is not the only target, modern privacy reform will shape legal AI procurement, client-data handling and cross-border deployment. Canadian firms and law departments should treat privacy impact assessment capability as part of AI readiness.