This week, we headed to the Hill for two productive days of meetings with policy makers and government officials representing all sides of a series of pressing issues for the digital advertising sector. Bill C-27 was at the top of the list.

Minutes after an intimate sit down with Privacy Commissioner Dufresne, it was announced that Bill C-27 had made its way to Committee bringing it one step closer to a reality. With timing still up for debate, it would be safe to say that the best-case scenario is early summer with a more realistic prediction being the Fall. 

This week, we headed to the Hill for two productive days of meetings with policy makers and government officials representing all sides of a series of pressing issues for the digital advertising sector. Bill C-27 was at the top of the list. 

Minutes after an intimate sit down with Privacy Commissioner Dufresne, it was announced that Bill C-27 had made its way to Committee bringing it one step closer to a reality. With timing still up for debate, it would be safe to say that the best-case scenario is early summer with a more realistic prediction being the Fall. 

And while both parts of the Bill – one governing privacy and the other artificial intelligence (AIDA) – made it through, it was mentioned by more than one MP this week that the intent is to keep them separate. Government seems to share industry’s belief that AIDA needs more time, consideration, and consultation before it can pass into law – and IAB Canada members definitely share that sentiment. 

All party members were eager to hear from industry and we came away feeling positive about the collaboration to come. We look forward to discussing this all in more detail at our upcoming State of the Nation – our annual Marquee event focusing on macro issues facing our industry including privacy and other policies. We hope to see you there. 

We will also be holding a session in partnership with the Osler team next week on May 3^rd to discuss the more pressing Quebec Law 25 and its implications on our industry. This interactive meeting is designed to evoke discussion on the key compliance challenges members are facing as well as unpack the differences between this new law and Canada’s existing privacy legislation.