Help Shape Alberta's New Privacy and Access to Information Rules
Official title: Privacy and access to information regulations engagement
Alberta passed two new laws in December 2024: one requiring government bodies to protect your personal information, another making it easier to get information from government. Now they're writing the detailed rules. The catch? This engagement is mainly for government bodies and the Privacy Commissioner—not the general public.
Why This Matters
Ever wonder what happens to your data when you use government services? These rules will determine how Alberta's public bodies handle your personal information. They'll also affect how easily you can request government records. If you've ever filed an access request and waited months, the new rules could change that.
What Could Change
Public bodies will have to build privacy protections into their programs from the start—not as an afterthought. Government agencies could extend deadlines during emergencies. They'll also be able to proactively release information without waiting for formal requests. The regulations take effect spring 2025.
Key Issues
- What specific requirements should be in the regulations for the Protection of Privacy Act?
- What resources and information do public bodies need to comply with the new requirements?
- How should the Access to Information Act regulations handle electronic records and deadline extensions?
How to Participate
- This engagement is primarily for Alberta public bodies and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. Learn more about the Protection of Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act.