MP McLeod applauds enhanced safety and security in the online marketplace

May 25, 2010

Ottawa – Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo was pleased that the Government has introduced two new pieces of legislation that will enhance the safety and security of the online marketplace.

The tabling of amendments to the legislation protecting the personal information of Canadians (Personal Information Protection and Electronics Documents Act, or PIPEDA) and the reintroduction of anti-spam legislation in the House of Commons (the proposed Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act, or FISA) are important steps towards positioning Canada as a leader in the digital economy.

“Canadian shoppers need to feel just as confident in the electronic marketplace as they do at the corner store. Spam is, as best, a nuisance, but it can also discourage electronic commerce, undermine privacy and introduce a host of online threats. It is also a significant expense for business,” said McLeod.

To address public concerns about the increasing number of data breaches involving personal information, PIPEDA proposes a new requirement for organizations to report material data breaches to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada and to notify individuals where there is a risk of harm. This requirement will complement the government’s recently enacted identity theft legislation and encourage better information security practices on the part of organizations.

“I believe personal information should be no less secure when shared online than anywhere else.  This legislation is a necessary step to ensure it is better protected,” stated McLeod.

PIPEDA also proposes amendments related to protecting the privacy of minors and other vulnerable individuals online. Other amendments are designed to clarify and streamline rules for business and support effective investigations by law enforcement and security agencies.

The proposed FISA is intended to deter the most damaging and deceptive forms of spam, such as identity theft, phishing and spyware, from occurring in Canada and to help drive spammers out of Canada.

“With today’s two pieces of legislation, we are now clearly positioning ourselves as a leader in the digital economy,” concluded McLeod.