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ETHI Committee Meeting

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Minutes of Proceedings

44th Parliament, 1st Session
Meeting 100
Thursday, February 1, 2024, 11:01 a.m. to 1:05 p.m.
Webcast
Presiding
John Brassard, Chair (Conservative)

Library of Parliament
• Alexandra Savoie, Analyst
• Maxime-Olivier Thibodeau, Analyst
Offices of the Information and Privacy Commissioners of Canada
• Philippe Dufresne, Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
• Lara Ives, Executive Director, Policy, Research and Parliamentary Affairs Directorate
Pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(h) and the motion adopted by the committee on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the committee commenced its study of federal government's use of technological tools capable of extracting personal data from mobile devices and computers.

Philippe Dufresne made a statement and answered questions.

Motion

René Villemure moved, — Considering that the Privacy Act hasn’t been reviewed since 1983; Considering that the ETHI committee has asked for a review in his last reports; That the committee ask the government of Canada to review the Privacy Act.

Debate arose thereon.

At 12:21 p.m., the sitting was suspended.

At 12:23 p.m., the sitting resumed.

By unanimous consent, it was agreed, — That the motion be amended by replacing the word “ask” with the words “recommend”.

After debate, the question was put on the motion and it was agreed to.

The motion, as amended, read as follows:

Considering that the Privacy Act hasn’t been reviewed since 1983; Considering that the ETHI committee has asked for a review in his last reports; That the committee recommend the government of Canada to review the Privacy Act.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

On motion of Matthew Green, it was agreed, — That, in relation to the study on the use of tools capable of extracting personal data from telephones and computers by government institutions, the committee write to each federal department and agency not already named in the study and request that they confirm whether or not they have procured or have access to software used for extracting information off of electronic devices; and request that the response be sent to the committee no later than 10 business days after receipt.

Questioning of the witnesses resumed.

On motion of Michael Barrett, it was agreed, — That the committee send a letter of condolences to the family of former Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson that recognizes her lifetime of public service, and that the committee report to the House an expression of its condolences on her passing.

It was agreed, — That the proposed budget in the amount of $16,500, for the study of Federal Government's Use of Technological Tools Capable of Extracting Personal Data from Mobile Devices and Computers, be adopted.

At 1:05 p.m., the committee adjourned to the call of the Chair.



Nancy Vohl
Clerk of the committee