Episode 275: David Loukidelis on Why Stripping Privacy Enforcement from Canada’s Privacy Commissioner in Bill C-36 is Unnecessarily Risky Policy

Episode 275: David Loukidelis on Why Stripping Privacy Enforcement from Canada’s Privacy Commissioner in Bill C-36 is Unnecessarily Risky Policy

Author: Michael Geist July 6, 2026 Duration: 31:59
The government’s privacy reform bill was supposed to earn applause for its effort to modernize outdated rules and provide Canadians with stronger privacy protections. Yet the decision to strip the Privacy Commissioner of Canada of responsibility for private-sector privacy law and shift that responsibility to the Digital Safety Commission has sparked widespread concern among Canadian privacy experts. This week’s Law Bytes podcast speaks to David Loukidelis, one of Canada’s best-regarded former privacy commissioners. Loukidelis served as BC's Information and Privacy Commissioner from 1999 to 2010, where he was responsible for the enforcement of BC's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and Personal Information Protection Act, which came into force in 2004. He joins me on the podcast to share his thoughts on the enforcement changes in the bill and what it may mean for privacy in Canada.

Navigating the complex and ever-shifting landscape where technology meets the law requires a guide who understands both the code and the courtroom. Law Bytes, hosted by Michael Geist, offers exactly that. This podcast digs into the real-world implications of digital policy, moving beyond abstract theory to examine how laws and regulations are actively shaping our online lives. Each episode is built around conversations with the people on the front lines: scholars dissecting legal challenges, policymakers drafting the rules, and practitioners facing these issues daily. While the focus is firmly on providing a crucial Canadian perspective, the discussions rightly recognize the borderless nature of the internet, frequently exploring international developments and Canada's place within the global digital ecosystem. You'll hear nuanced analysis on topics like privacy, copyright, platform governance, and telecommunications, all framed within the broader context of societal impact and fundamental rights. The result is a thoughtful and accessible exploration of the forces governing our digital world, making sense of the headlines and anticipating what might come next. For anyone curious about the power structures behind their screens, this podcast serves as an essential and engaging resource.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Law Bytes
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