I have just a couple of questions, if I may.
One of the roles of the Privacy Commissioner under PIPEDA is education and information, as it is under the Privacy Act. I heard a startling statement at last Wednesday's meeting made by Mr. Richard Rosenberg, president of the British Columbia Freedom of Information and Privacy Association. I want to quote it for you and ask for your comments:
Second, a much more effective education function is required. The OPC could serve a more effective role than it has up to now; namely, to bring the office and its role under PIPEDA to the attention of the Canadian public. In my classes and talks I have rarely found anyone who knows about Canada's privacy law, his or her rights under the law, or the existence of the OPC, the current Privacy Commissioner, or the activities of the office. A survey commissioned by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner in March of this year showed that something like 8% of Canadians had heard of PIPEDA. Clearly, if you're not aware of laws protecting you, it's going to be hard to take advantage of the protection they provide.
I'd like to give you the opportunity to respond.