Privacy commissioner will focus more on real-world impact under 2026–30 strategic plan

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) has announced the launch of its updated strategic plan, built on the foundation set by its 2021–25 plan and intended to guide the office’s work until 2030. 

“Over the next four years, we’re staying true to our vision to be a modern and effective regulator, but with a greater focus on the real-world impact of our work,” the IPC said in an update. “Our mission to enhance [Ontarians’] trust that their privacy and access rights will be respected is evolving to reflect the current era of digital intensification.”

READ MORE: Focus on privacy and data

The IPC shared that the changes to its strategic plan, mission statement, goals, and cross-cutting strategies for attaining them incorporated input submitted during its public consultation last fall. 

In its update, the IPC acknowledged that members of the public encouraged it to uphold its objectives boldly and have clear plans to tackle future issues. The IPC added that the feedback helped it decide where to devote its energy and how to distribute its resources. 

Pillars and values

The 2026–30 strategic plan identifies advocacy, responsiveness, and accountability as the pillars of the IPC’s work. 

Regarding advocacy, the IPC intends to fight for access and privacy rights in important areas that affect Ontarians’ lives. Specifically, the IPC aims to: 

• Ensure the online safety of Ontario’s children and youth 
• Promote their digital literacy via education and empowerment 
• Enforce robust governance frameworks and principles to hold modern governments accountable 
• Design guardrails for the responsible adoption of next-generation technologies and community-based approaches by law enforcement 
• Keep patients at the heart of the digital health system 
• Ensure that they benefit from the responsible use of their data for the public good 

In terms of responsiveness, the IPC intends to tackle complaints and appeals more speedily, fairly, and meaningfully. Specifically, the IPC seeks to: 

• Define and affirm service standards and operational timelines 
• Make clear, concise, and plain language decisions supporting compliance 
• Provide education and actionable guidance, based on systemic trends and insights gained from previous cases, to improve understanding of the law and tribunal processes 

As for accountability, the IPC will strive for organizational excellence and leadership. Specifically, the IPC aims to: 

• Offer efficient, secure, and digitally friendly services that enhance user experience 
• Provide a positive workplace culture and ongoing learning to entice and keep quality talent 
• Impose modern corporate best practices and fiscal management to fortify governance and accountability 

Through the cross-cutting strategies included in the updated strategic plan, the IPC seeks to: 

• Help marginalized communities by addressing their accessibility, inclusion, and equity issues 
• Decrease its environmental footprint 
• Collaborate with fellow regulators to have more influence and impact 
• Promote an environment valuing and supporting service delivery to Franco-Ontarians 
• Remain pragmatic and open to ongoing improvement 

Lastly, the 2026–30 strategic plan lists the following values: 

• respect 
• integrity 
• fairness 
• collaboration 
• excellence 
• innovation