News Summary March 14th, 2026

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, March 14th.  It’s another busy week across Canada’s privacy and transparency landscape.  We’re tracking a major privacy investigation into Loblaw’s PC Optimum program, new conditions allowing TikTok to keep operating in Canada, and growing concerns about facial recognition and workplace AI surveillance.  And on the transparency front, Canada’s Information Commissioner is warning that federal access-to-information reform proposals lack ambition—while freedom-of-information reporting reveals gaps in everything from hospital overdose data to environmental spill reporting.   And in late-breaking news this week, as British Columbia continues debate over Bill 9, the government’s proposed changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Ontario introduces changes designed to let the Premier act without public scrutiny.  And on the Federal front, as one chapter has closed, another opens as Bill C-4 has passed into law.  Show Notes: https://fipa.bc.ca/nm/20260314-access-and-privacy-online Individual Stories: https://fipa.bc.ca/tag/2026-season-episode-11  FIPA Bill C-4  Bill C-4 Dashboard: https://fipa.bc.ca/fipa-bill-c-4-part-4-dashboard/   Bill C-4 Backgrounder: https://fipa.bc.ca/bill-c-4-background/  FIPA E-petition page: https://fipa.bc.ca/upcoming-hoc-e-petition    House of Commons E-Petition: https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Sign/e-7237  Donate to Help Us Reach More Canadians: https://fipa.bc.ca/pr/donate-c4/  Support these efforts by subscribing or donating.  Send comments to [email protected]  Our Contributors:  Writing: Shaun Fisk | Production: Patrick Farnsworth | Music: Breakmaster Cylinder   Access and Privacy Online: https://fipa.bc.ca/research-resources/podcasts/access-and-privacy-online/   News stories through the Canadian Press and Feedly.  Available through: PodBean, Apple iTunes,  YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, PlayerFM. ListenNotes,  Podchaser, Boomplay