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Part of New and proposed legislation

Strengthening the protection of personal information

The Protection of Privacy Act, 2024, would help protect personal information and implement the strongest privacy safeguards in Canada.

Status: Bill 33 was introduced on November 6, 2024.
Ministry responsible: Minister of Technology and Innovation.

Overview

Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIP) needs modernization. Without a significant update since the early 2000’s, the FOIP Act does not offer privacy protections needed in the digital world. 

Bill 33, the Protection of Privacy Act, 2024 will aim to give Albertans peace of mind their personal information is protected. If passed, this bill will make it mandatory for public bodies to create their programs and services with protection of privacy in mind. It will also streamline processes and require Albertans are notified if their personal information is involved in a privacy breach.

Albertans value their privacy and the protection of personal information. As they rely more and more on technology in their day-to-day lives, Alberta’s government is looking at how its legislation should continue to protect Albertans’ privacy and reflect the new realities of an age of rapidly changing technology. 

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Key changes

If passed, the proposed Protection of Privacy Act will:

  • enhance privacy protections by ensuring public bodies are properly managing and protecting personal information
  • enforce the strictest penalties in Canada for the misuse of Albertans’ personal information
  • streamline processes, like recognizing legislated timelines should not count days on which public bodies are not open and making it easier to appoint independent adjudicators
  • allow the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) not to proceed with an investigation unless an applicant wants them to or OIPC deems it as unnecessary
  • require 6-year reviews of the legislation to ensure it remains current
  • implement requirements for privacy management programs, privacy impact assessment and privacy breach reporting
  • make it mandatory for Albertans to be notified if their personal information is involved in a privacy breach

Next steps

If passed, Bill 33, the Protection of Privacy Act, 2024, will take effect upon proclamation.

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