Learn Canadian Privacy Law
Clear, plain-language explanations of the concepts behind Canadian privacy law. Start with the fundamentals, then explore how complaints, courts, and tribunals fit together.
What Counts as Personal Information
How Canadian privacy law defines personal information, and why this definition matters for every privacy complaint.
Read articleHow Consent Works in Privacy Law
A plain-language guide to the difference between express and implied consent, and when you can refuse or withdraw.
Read articleHow to File a PIPEDA Complaint
Step-by-step guide to filing a privacy complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Read articleFiling a Provincial Privacy Complaint
Where to complain if your issue involves a provincial government body, a health custodian, or a provincial private-sector organization in BC, Alberta, or Quebec.
Read articleHow to Request Your Personal Data
A step-by-step guide to asking a company, government body, or health custodian for the records they hold about you.
Read articleCharter Section 8 Explained
How the Supreme Court of Canada has interpreted your constitutional privacy rights under section 8 of the Charter in the digital age.
Read articleFederal vs. Provincial Privacy Law
How to figure out whether PIPEDA, a provincial private-sector law, a public-sector law, or a health privacy law applies to your issue.
Read articlePrivacy Law vs. Access to Information
The difference between your right to access your own information and your right to access records held by government.
Read articlePrivacy in Criminal Investigations
How police obtain and use your information, and what your rights are when you are a witness, suspect, or accused.
Read articlePrivacy in Civil Litigation
Private privacy torts, class actions, and damages claims available when your privacy has been violated.
Read articleReasonable Expectation of Privacy
The key constitutional concept that determines when the Charter protects you from government intrusions.
Read articleHow Privacy Law is Enforced in Canada
The roles of commissioners, courts, tribunals, and individuals in Canadian privacy enforcement.
Read articleBill C-36 (PPCDA): What Would Change
The Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act would replace Part 1 of PIPEDA and let individuals sue for damages. It is a bill, not a law.
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