Systematic Government Access to Private-Sector Data in Canada

Abstract

This chapter focuses on Canadian law as it applies to government access to private-sector data. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms implicitly provides constitutional protection of privacy by prohibiting unreasonable search and seizure by the state (s. 8) and by limiting government intrusion on life, liberty and security of the person (s. 7). With some exceptions, the Charter requires law enforcement agencies to seek prior authorization before accessing personal information. However, Canada’s national security intelligence agencies are subject to more relaxed standards. The Privacy Act regulates federal government institutions’ relationship with personal information, whereas the private sector is regulated by the Personal Information and Protection of Electronic Documents Act. However, numerous exceptions in both statutes allow for (and in some cases encourage), information sharing between private-sector and state entities.