What you'll learn
- Apply PIPEDA's ten fair information principles
- Know when PIPEDA applies and when provincial laws apply instead
- Obtain meaningful consent
- Assess, report and record breaches of security safeguards
- Respond to access requests and complaints
- Understand what Bill C-36 proposes and how to prepare
Course overview
PIPEDA is Canada's federal private sector privacy law. It governs how organisations collect, use and disclose personal information in the course of commercial activity, and it remains in force today.
This online course explains the ten fair information principles in practical terms, how PIPEDA interacts with provincial privacy laws, how to obtain meaningful consent, and how to assess, report and record breaches of security safeguards.
On June 15, 2026, the federal government introduced Bill C-36, which would replace the privacy part of PIPEDA with a new Protecting Privacy and Consumer Data Act. A dedicated module explains what the bill proposes and practical steps to prepare, while making clear that it is not yet law.
We update this course as the bill moves through Parliament.
Course curriculum
Module 1: Privacy law in Canada
- PIPEDA's scope
- Provincial laws
- The Privacy Commissioner
Module 2: The fair information principles
- Accountability and purposes
- Consent
- Limiting collection, use and retention
Module 3: Safeguards and breaches
- Security safeguards
- Real risk of significant harm
- Reporting and breach records
Module 4: Individual rights
- Access requests
- Accuracy and openness
- Handling complaints
Module 5: Bill C-36 readiness
- What the bill proposes
- Key differences from PIPEDA
- Preparing now and final assessment
Who is this course for?
- Privacy officers and compliance teams
- Staff who handle customer or employee personal information
- Managers in federally regulated businesses
- Organisations planning for privacy reform
Prerequisites
No prior experience required. Lessons start from the basics and build towards practical application.
Assessment
Short quizzes throughout the course. Pass mark: 70%, with up to 3 attempts.
A Certificate of Completion from Charter Compliance Academy
Complete all lessons and score 70% or more in the final assessment, and your Certificate of Completion is issued instantly in your account. Issued by Charter Compliance Academy, it shows your name, the course title, the issue date and a unique certificate ID, as an A4 page you can print or save as PDF. Use it for your learning records and HR files, or share it with your employer or on LinkedIn. It records that you completed this on-demand online course; it is not a professional licence, designation or accreditation.
All course content is written and owned by Charter Compliance Academy, an independent provider of on-demand online courses. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by FINTRAC, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, any provincial ministry of labour, the WSIB, CCOHS or any other government body or standards organisation.
- 1Complete the lessons
- 2Pass the final (70%+)
- 3Get your Certificate of Completion
Frequently asked questions
Is Bill C-36 law yet?
No. It was introduced on June 15, 2026 and must pass Parliament before it takes effect. PIPEDA still applies until then.
Will the course be updated?
Yes. We update the Bill C-36 module as the bill progresses, and you keep lifetime access.
Does it cover Quebec?
It explains how provincial laws fit with PIPEDA. For Quebec obligations in depth, take our Quebec Law 25 course.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general education. Speak with a lawyer about your specific situation.
Enrolling a team?
We offer company pricing with progress tracking for your staff and a Certificate of Completion for every learner.
