Bill C-12, Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act, re-introduces substantive amendments and if passed, will clarify a business’ responsibility under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This Bill addresses concerns raised by the government’s first Parliamentary review of PIPEDA and intends to: protect and empower consumers; clarify and streamline rules for business organizations; improve investigation and enforcement of the privacy law; and improve the language of legislation and technical drafting corrections. Significant amendments include: a definition of valid consent; a mandatory reporting provision; and a disclosure exception. In addition, personal information can be collected, used or disclosed, without the consent or knowledge of the individual if it is produced in the course of their employment; required to manage, establish or terminate employment relationships; or is related to business transactions.
