Is there anything more frustrating than the constant stream of spam we receive on our computers day after day. Well I have great news to tell you! On May 25, Minister Tony Clement tabled two bills in the House of Commons, the Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act and the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act. I am confident that these bills will finally enhance safety and security in the online marketplace.
 
The Fighting Internet and Wireless Spam Act will set out tough new measures to deter the most damaging and deceptive forms of spam from occurring in Canada. The most important component of this legislation is the enforcement regime which enables the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Competition Bureau and Office of the Privacy Commissioner to share information and evidence in order to pursue violators across our borders. This act will also give these bodies the ability to impose monetary penalties on violators, as well as, give consumers and businesses the ability to take civil action against violators. I think that spam can discourage electronic commerce, undermine privacy and introduce a host of online threats. No longer will perpertators be able to take advantage of unsuspecting internet users under the cloak of anonimity.I believe your personal information should be no less secure when shared online than anywhere else and that this legislation will ensure Canadian’s are better protected online.
 
I also believe the Safeguarding Canadians’ Personal Information Act will empower and better protect consumers while ensuring Canadian businesses can continue to compete in the global market place. This act requires that organizations notify affected individuals of data breaches that pose a risk of harm. I believe this will not only provide Canadians with the information they need to protect themselves, but will also encourage better information security practices by organizations. It is time to fight back against criminals.
 
With these two pieces of legislation, our Government is working toward a safer and more secure online environment for both consumers and businesses. Both of these bills are part of our ongoing effort to put victim's rights ahead of those of criminals.
 
Guy Lauzon MP