Thank you very much, Madam Chair.
We had some discussion last time around about clause 15, and we want to make it clear that the government is serious about protecting the privacy of individuals as well as the health and safety of Canadians. As we discussed last time, the release of personal information under Bill C-36 would be very rare and would be limited to a person or a government whose responsibilities are to protect human health and safety. We do have a letter from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner, which was tabled here. They're comfortable with the regime. We have also heard from the Department of Justice officials that the Privacy Act would continue to apply along with clause 15 of Bill C-36.
In an effort to alleviate any remaining concerns opposition members may have with the provision to disclose personal information in Bill C-36, we are proposing that clause 15 be amended to clarify that clause 15 of Bill C-36 does not affect the provisions of the Privacy Act.
So I'd like to introduce the amendment, Madam Chair. I'd like to propose that Bill C-36 in clause 15 be amended by replacing line 12 on page 9 with the following:
15.(1) The Minister may disclose personal
and then add, after line 19 on page 9 the following:
(2) For greater certainty, nothing in this section affects the provisions of the Privacy Act.
That is the amendment.
(Amendment agreed to)
(Clause 15 as amended agreed to)
(Clauses 16 to 37 inclusive agreed to)