There has never been a more pressing time to prioritize improving our privacy law. In just a matter of weeks, COVID-19 pushed entire communities online, making things like telehealth, teleworking, and virtual learning household names and propelling recent digital trends years into the future.[1] Among other things, the pandemic has prompted the adoption of new digital tools in all areas of our lives—for our business meetings, social gatherings, doctors visits, etc.—all of which, have clear privacy implications.[2] It is in this context that the Information and Communications Technology Council welcomes the Government of Ontario’s consultation on privacy law.
Home to a bourgeoning tech industry, the country’s largest health[3] and education[4] sectors, and nearly 15 million Canadians[5], Ontario is a key player in Canada’s increasingly digital economy—in which privacy law is a core pillar. When done right, privacy law can protect the fundamental rights of patients, students, and individuals and create more cer
