Not wanting to be left behind, the Alberta government announced this week it is consulting on modernizing its privacy laws. It hopes the input “… will help strengthen and modernize privacy protections and may contribute to new or updated policies, processes or legislation.”

So, not very committal, but at least it’s something, right?

If you care to provide your two cents, here’s a link to the survey. Or you can send written comments on your own. The survey covers a range of questions, including social networks, the cloud, PIAs, deidentification, data trusts, etc. There was some thought put into it, and I guess I am encouraged to see another government entity seemingly taking these issues seriously. Now we just need the political will to act on this good work.

You can send comments or answer the survey until August 20, which isn’t much time, so don’t procrastinate. Also, be on the lookout because the government announced its intention to hold some focus groups with stakeholders.

With Quebec seemingly leading the way, I predict a significantly different privacy landscape in Canada within the next few years — quicker if political will gets inspired. The new proposed law in Quebec seems sure to pass some time this calendar year, British Columbia is looking at its own law, not to mention Ontario is consulting on coming up with its privacy regime. Of course, Bill C-11 is technically not dead at the federal level but with all signs pointing to an early election, we aren’t likely to see leadership from that level of government.

What will be the final result? I’m slightly afraid of a disjointed system in Canada where you have to comply with 10 or more provincial and territorial regimes. It has the possibility of being a nightmare for organizations and individuals alike, so I hope the various governments take our input to heart and create a harmonious system that can be operationalized without too much difficulty.

And, on a completely different note, the Olympics are almost finished week one and the stories of our athletes are so inspiring — the ones who make it to the podium and those who don’t. Go Canada, go!