Protection of Privacy Act in effect
By Lethbridge Herald on June 14, 2025.
Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald
Alberta’s new Protection of Privacy Act is now in effect.
Legislation, which was passed in December, became effective on Wednesday.
The provincial government says it has implemented the strongest personal privacy protection in Canada as well as the most strict penalties for violations.
“These actions demonstrate Alberta’s promise to ensure clarity, consistency and stronger protections for Albertans personal information,” the government said in a statement Thursday.
The government says regulations set out “detailed but practical expectations to help public bodies protect Albertans’ privacy, build public trust and strengthen accountability.”
Changes ensure that personal information is used and shared responsibly by public bodies, “allowing all government programs and services to be designed with privacy in mind from the start,” says the province.
Changes under the act include:
* Public bodies will have clear rules for when and how to share information with each other to provide a common or integrated service, so the right information can be in the right place at the right time to ensure the best possible service delivery for Albertans. For example, during emergencies, Albertans could be assessed quickly for eligibility for supports that are provided by various public bodies.
Collection notices will include clarification that Albertans can contact public bodies by email,not just by mail or phone, and that a collection notice does not need to be repeated if information is collected from the same person for the same reason.
The province’s Access to Information Act also came in effect on Wednesday after legislation was passed in December.
This act is intended to introduce a more clear and streamlined process for obtaining information from the government and public bodies, enhancing regulatory functions while clarifying procedural steps and setting timelines for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to complete reviews.
“Public bodies are now officially empowered by policy to release information on their own, making it easier for Albertans to access information without having to file formal requests,” says the province.
More details are available on new website called Transparency Alberta which hosts almost 32,000 pieces of information and more than 3,000 data sets.
The ATIA includes existing provisions from the FOIP regulation relevant to access to information and new provisions which address changes to the ATIA related to definition of new terms as well as clarification on the duty to assist and the attestation process for cabinet records.
16-15
In an era where digital traces are left behind by almost every step we take, such measures are becoming increasingly important. This is especially true in situations involving legal or financial vulnerability. When a person encounters the legal system – even for a short period of time – access to quality services, privacy and courteous treatment can make all the difference. For example, I heard that Didnt Do It Bail Bonds customer service places an emphasis on respect for the personal information of its clients. It would be good if more companies perceived privacy as a mandatory standard rather than a formality.