Substance Law provides legal services relating to privacy law, privacy compliance, data governance, and regulatory risk management across Canada. Based in Toronto, we advise businesses on Canadian privacy laws, privacy policies, consent practices, data handling obligations, and privacy-related regulatory matters.
Organizations that collect, use, disclose, or store personal information must comply with evolving federal and provincial privacy laws. Privacy compliance has become increasingly important for e-commerce businesses, fintech companies, regulated industries, online platforms, employers, and organizations handling sensitive customer or employee information.
We assist businesses in developing practical privacy compliance frameworks that align with Canadian legal requirements and operational realities.
Canadian Privacy Law Framework
Privacy obligations in Canada arise under multiple federal and provincial legal frameworks.
These may include:
- the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
- provincial private-sector privacy legislation
- public-sector privacy laws
- health privacy legislation
- industry-specific regulatory obligations
Privacy oversight may involve regulators such as the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Businesses should ensure that their privacy practices comply with applicable legal requirements.
Privacy Compliance Programs
Privacy compliance requires more than simply posting a privacy policy online.
We assist businesses with:
- privacy compliance programs
- internal privacy policies and procedures
- data governance frameworks
- consent management practices
- employee privacy policies
- privacy impact assessments
Organizations should implement privacy practices appropriate to the sensitivity and volume of personal information they handle.
Privacy Policies and Website Compliance
Businesses operating websites, applications, and digital platforms should ensure that their privacy disclosures align with Canadian laws.
We assist with:
- website privacy policies
- mobile application privacy terms
- cookie and tracking disclosures
- online consent practices
- data collection transparency reviews
Privacy disclosures should accurately reflect how information is collected, used, stored, and disclosed.
Consumer Privacy and E-Commerce Compliance
E-commerce businesses often collect significant amounts of customer information.
We advise online businesses regarding:
- customer data collection practices
- online checkout disclosures
- subscription and account information handling
- targeted advertising and analytics
- third-party tracking technologies
Digital businesses should ensure that customer information practices comply with privacy and consumer protection requirements.
Employee and Workplace Privacy Issues
Employers may face privacy obligations regarding employee and workplace information.
We assist with:
- workplace privacy policies
- employee monitoring practices
- remote work privacy considerations
- HR data handling issues
- confidentiality and access controls
Workplace privacy obligations may vary depending on jurisdiction and industry.
Vendor and Third-Party Privacy Issues
Organizations often rely on third-party vendors and service providers that process personal information.
We assist with:
- vendor privacy reviews
- data processing agreements
- outsourcing and cloud-service issues
- third-party risk allocation
- cross-border data transfer considerations
Third-party arrangements should clearly address privacy responsibilities and compliance obligations.
Privacy Risk Assessments and Audits
We conduct privacy compliance reviews and risk assessments for businesses across multiple industries.
This may include:
- privacy policy reviews
- operational privacy assessments
- website and app compliance reviews
- vendor risk analysis
- data retention and governance reviews
Privacy audits may help businesses identify compliance gaps and reduce legal risk.
Regulatory Investigations and Privacy Complaints
Organizations may face complaints, investigations, or inquiries relating to privacy practices.
We assist with:
- responding to regulator inquiries
- privacy complaint management
- compliance reviews
- internal investigations
- corrective action planning
Privacy issues may create both legal and reputational risk for organizations.
Industries We Assist
We advise businesses operating across multiple sectors, including:
- e-commerce and online platforms
- fintech and payment businesses
- cannabis and regulated industries
- food and consumer packaged goods
- healthcare and wellness businesses
- software and technology companies
Privacy compliance obligations vary depending on industry, business model, and data practices.
Why Work With Substance Law
- experience with Canadian privacy laws and regulatory frameworks
- practical, business-focused legal guidance
- support for digital and regulated businesses
- assistance with privacy governance and compliance programs
- experience across multiple regulated industries
We assist businesses in developing privacy practices that support both compliance and commercial operations.
Work With a Privacy Lawyer in Canada
If your business collects, uses, or stores personal information in Canada, privacy compliance is an important legal and operational consideration.
Substance Law provides privacy law services and compliance guidance for businesses across Canada.
Contact Substance Law to discuss your privacy law and compliance needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What privacy laws apply to businesses in Canada?
Businesses in Canada may be subject to PIPEDA, provincial privacy laws, health privacy laws, and sector-specific regulations.
What is personal information under Canadian privacy law?
Personal information generally includes information about an identifiable individual, including names, contact information, financial information, and online identifiers.
Do businesses need a privacy policy in Canada?
Yes. Businesses that collect personal information should generally maintain clear and accurate privacy policies.
Can employee information create privacy obligations?
Yes. Employers may have obligations relating to employee privacy, workplace monitoring, and HR data handling.
What is a privacy compliance program?
A privacy compliance program is a framework of policies, procedures, safeguards, and governance practices designed to support legal compliance.
Can lawyers conduct privacy audits?
Yes. Lawyers may conduct privacy reviews and identify compliance risks relating to websites, operations, and data practices.
Can businesses face penalties for privacy non-compliance?
Yes. Privacy violations may result in investigations, complaints, reputational harm, and legal consequences.
Why are vendor agreements important for privacy compliance?
Vendor agreements help allocate responsibilities relating to data handling, security, privacy compliance, and breach response.
