Bill C-27: An Act to enact the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act and to make consequential and related amendments to other Acts
This document is a Charter Statement prepared by the Minister of Justice for Bill C-27 (the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022), which includes the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA). It examines the bill's consistency with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, specifically addressing potential impacts on search and seizure, freedom of expression, open courts, offence rights, and the right to liberty. The statement concludes that the provisions are consistent with the Charter because their limits on rights are tailored, proportional, and serve pressing public interests.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
This document is for the public, Parliamentarians, and legal scholars seeking to understand the constitutional and rights-related implications of Bill C-27.
What the document contains
This document addresses the constitutional compatibility of Bill C-27 with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It covers how the Consumer Privacy Protection Act, Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal Act, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act engage rights regarding privacy, expression, court openness, offences, and liberty.
It does not provide the full legislative text of Bill C-27, nor does it establish binding AI safety standards or detailed technical obligations, as its purpose is strictly a legal review of Charter compliance.
- Bill C-27, known as the Digital Charter Implementation Act, 2022, encompasses privacy reform, a data protection tribunal, and the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA).
- The Minister of Justice examined the bill for consistency with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, as required by the Department of Justice Act.
- Investigative powers and information sharing under the bill potentially engage Section 8 (search and seizure), but are justified as necessary for regulatory compliance.
- Restrictions on personal information and AI systems engage Section 2(b) (freedom of expression), but are viewed as proportionate to public safety and privacy objectives.
- Offence and liberty provisions under AIDA engage Sections 7 and 11, but target blameworthy conduct associated with serious harms and adhere to fundamental justice.
· Explanatory Note · Charter Considerations · Overview · Search and Seizure (section 8 of the Charter) · Freedom of Expression (section 2(b) of the Charter) · Open courts principle (section 2(b) of the Charter) · Offence Rights (section 11 of the Charter) · Right to liberty (section 7 of the Charter)
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
3/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
To limit impacts on privacy interests, a broad range of transparency, accountability, and oversight provisions exist under other measures and the broader legal context governing public institutions.
Search and Seizure (section 8 of the Charter)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
3/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
It would establish common requirements for the design, development, and use of artificial intelligence systems, including measures to mitigate risks of harm and biased output.
Overview
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
The Artificial Intelligence and Data Act aims to protect individuals against a range of serious risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence systems, including risks of physical or psychological harm
Freedom of Expression (section 2(b) of the Charter)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
4/5Protection of personal data and private life
The Consumer Privacy Protection Act would repeal parts of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and replace them with a new legislative regime governing the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information
Overview
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
In addition, the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act authorizes the Minister to publish information about artificial intelligence systems posing a serious risk of harm; to order a person to publish information related to their compliance
Search and Seizure (section 8 of the Charter)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
4/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
The Consumer Privacy Protection Act would authorize the Personal Information and Data Protection Tribunal to impose an administrative monetary penalty on an organization that has contravened the Act.
Offence Rights (section 11 of the Charter)
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
4/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
It would establish common requirements for the design, development, and use of artificial intelligence systems, including measures to mitigate risks of harm and biased output.
Overview
screening score · 2026-10-23