On April 2, 2026, the Government of Canada announced its launch of the review of Canada’s Federal Privacy Act (the “Act”). Enacted in 1983, the Act governs how federal institutions handle personal information. However, despite over four decades of technological advancements and shifts in how personal data is collected and used, the Act has not been substantially updated since it came into force.
Although the Act has not seen a meaningful reform since 1983, its need for modernization has been a topic of ongoing discussion since 2016. Multiple reports and recommendations from bodies including the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, as well as consultations led by Justice Canada have all pointed to the need for reform.