Canada’s privacy and information regulators collaborate to advance transparency, privacy and accountability amid rapid technological change

September 16, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial privacy and information commissioners and ombuds gathered in Ottawa this week to explore ways to continue to foster public trust in democratic institutions through transparency, privacy protection and independent oversight. Hosted by Privacy Commissioner of Canada Philippe Dufresne and Information Commissioner of Canada Caroline Maynard, the annual meeting brought together information and privacy regulators from across the country to discuss their roles as independent oversight bodies and exchange perspectives on issues affecting their respective jurisdictions. Privacy-related discussions focused on the opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies, including AI , quantum computing and advanced data-processing systems. Participants examined how privacy intersects with cross-border data flows, digital sovereignty and national resilience. Participants also discussed how access to information supports transparency and public understanding of government decision-making. They explored how new technologies are changing the way in which government records are created and managed, and the implications for access rights. Meeting participants heard from experts in government, academia, industry, civil society and the legal community on issues shaping the future of access to information and privacy protection across Canada. Philippe Dufresne Privacy Commissioner of Canada Caroline Maynard Information Commissioner of Canada Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada communications@priv.gc.ca Public Affairs Office of the Information Commissioner of Canada Tel.: 1-800-267-0441, option 3 Email: communications@oic-ci.gc.ca