The Privacy and Access Council of Canada

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Setting the Standard for Privacy and Access Professionals

Mounting calls for an overhaul to privacy and data protection regimes around the world have some countries enacting new online rights for citizens, while others are embarking on needed changes.

New privacy laws affecting Canadian organizations and individuals — and heightened concern among Canadians about their privacy and access rights and responsibilities — has increased the demand for well-qualified data protection practitioners and consistent standards of competence. 

In response to the urgency, the Privacy and Access Council of Canada is working with the CIO Strategy Council to develop national standards for privacy compliance across jurisdictions, and for the qualification and proficiency of privacy and access control professionals.  

•In 2007, PACC developed the first Code of Ethical Principles and Professional Conduct for the industry
• In 2009, PACC issued the first Core Competency and Professional Standards for the industry
•In 2009, PACC launched the first Professional Certification Program relevant to access and privacy professionals in the private, non-profit, and public sectors 

These landmark documents are the foundation for developing the official Canadian standard of competency for privacy and data protection applicable to all organizations, including public and private companies, government entities, and not-for-profit organizations. Once finalized, the Canadian standards will be available for adoption by other countries. 

If you are interested in joining the Technical Committee and contributing to the development of these national standards, reply to this email with your expression of interest, or contact Sharon Polsky MAPP, President of the PACC, for information or to get involved.