By François-Philippe Champagne, Minister for Innovation, Science and Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our lives and demonstrated how essential digital and data-driven technologies have become in all aspects of our economy and society.
Globally, we are seeing unprecedented growth in emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence. These technologies hold the promise of helping us address some of our most pressing challenges in fields such as healthcare, telecommunications, aerospace, transportation and many others.
To be productive, competitive and innovative—and to build back better from the Covid-19 pandemic—we must harness the potential of these technologies. The public acceptance and widespread adoption of new technologies and data-driven innovation is essential to fuel the economic growth they promise.
Canadians must be able to trust that their information is safeguarded. In order for Canada to thrive we need to support and enable our innovators in the digital economy. We also must ensure that the benefits of these innovative technologies inspire public trust.
There is no one-size-fits-all response to the many questions that come with the transformation to the digital and data-driven world. As new technologies are developed, our government is working to remain proactive and flexible to make sure Canadian businesses reap the rewards of their innovations, while building an adaptable framework that protects Canadians, builds trust and is adapted to the unique Canadian context.
That is why we are implementing an ambitious principled approach to digital and data transformation – Canada’s Digital Charter.
The Charter is founded on ten principles which aim to leverage digital and data transformation to build sustainable growth. They also guide our thinking and actions in the implementation of policies that will help build the foundation for a people-centred and inclusive digital and data economy.
Through extensive consultations, Canadians highlighted the issues as they saw them, to help us ensure the Charter balanced the need to protect their data while supporting innovation.
Canadians told us that strong cybersecurity measures by business are vital to combat the growing threats of data misuse and manipulation, malware, and other security breaches that impact our citizens and businesses. They advocated for greater awareness of how to protect Canadians from threats. Specifically, businesses need more support to understand the importance of cybersecurity and implement preventive measures. Unfortunately, many small and medium-sized businesses in traditionally “non-tech” economic sectors often don’t consider cybersecurity until it is too late.
In response, our government developed a National Cyber Security Strategy, which is centred on security, resilience, cyber innovation, and collaboration. We also established the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security as a single window for Canadians to seek trusted cybersecurity advice and guidance. The further, we are helping small and medium-sized organizations to both enhance their cybersecurity and build trust with their partners through the CyberSecure Canada certification program. Together these efforts help businesses avoid the disruptions that cyber threats cause, all the while improving productivity.
This is very important work, but security is only part of the equation: the issue of privacy is equally important in building a successful data and digital economy.
Today, across the Canadian economy, companies’ data is often worth as much as all other intangible assets—such as software, research and development, and mineral exploration rights—combined.
Our current private-sector privacy law—the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)—was enacted in 2000. This Act has fostered a pragmatic approach to solving privacy problems and bringing organizations into line.
Since then, the pace of technological change has accelerated and the uses of data in this environment have become increasingly complex. Digital giants are today some of the most valuable companies in the world and, as noted, a significant part of their value is the data they hold. With greater amounts of this information in play, the risks to Canadians’ privacy have increased.
Every time a data breach is reported, we are reminded of the very real risks to individuals. In our Digital Charter consultations, Canadians expressed their deep concerns about how companies use their personal information. Many respondents also called for stronger incentives for organizations to comply with Canada’s privacy laws, coupled with stronger consequences for those who violate them.
To this end, we are working to enhance privacy protections for all Canadians. The proposed Digital Charter Implementation Act 2020 will modernize Canada’s regulatory framework for privacy protection in the private sector in a manner that supports innovation and is interoperable with those of our major trading partners. As a result, Canadian organizations will be well positioned to leverage data in a responsible way, and to compete internationally.
The proposed Act reinforces individuals’ control over their personal information, introduces stronger powers for the Privacy Commissioner, and introduces serious financial consequences for the most egregious behaviour.
The approach we have taken recognizes the role of the Government of Canada in regulating our economy. It is the continuation of a made-in-Canada vision that reflects both the right to privacy and the needs of organizations to use personal information for appropriate purposes.
The work that our government is doing is vital to helping Canadians harness technological advancements – a necessity to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and to grow our prosperity. We understand that this is a pivotal time in history, and that strong, strategic actions today will pave the way for a brighter future.
Just as technology has evolved, so too must our approach to cybersecurity and privacy. Governments must work to be ahead of the curve. Flexibility and adaptability are key, or we risk falling behind our competitors.
Like our fellow Commonwealth nations, Canada recognizes that a modern approach to data security and privacy is key to unlocking innovation and promoting a strong economy. Our citizens and businesses must have trust that their data is secure, so that innovators can prosper.
This will be vital to our post-pandemic recovery and future economic growth.
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