The CN-Paul M. Tellier Chair on Business and Public Policy at the University of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Centre for European Studies at Carleton University and The Canada EU Trade and Investment Association (CEUTIA), is pleased to invite you to attend a webinar on “EU Digital Governance: Lessons and Consequences for Canada,” which will take place on Thursday, January 27th from 10:00-11:30AM EST.

For many years, the European Union (EU) has been a leader when it comes to governing data and the digital economy. In May 2018, the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) entered into force, influencing data protection legislation and regulations around the world, from California to China. Compliance with GDPR provisions by non-EU countries or firms is also crucial if personal data are to flow out of the EU towards those countries or firms. In Canada’s case, it is currently considered “adequate” (i.e., compliant) by the European Commission; however experts agree that Canada’s current federal privacy protection framework does not meet GDPR requirements. Canada, therefore, is at risk of losing this privileged position if it does not modernize its privacy protection regime in line with the GDPR. 

The EU is also in the process of adopting two new pieces of legislation to govern what it calls its digital single market, including social media platforms and their content: the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act. In addition, it has adopted funding programs like the Digital Europe Programme to develop the EU’s digital economy. So, what do the EU’s actions regarding the digital economy and its governance mean for Canada? How do (or will) they impact businesses operating in Canada? What lessons should Canada draw from the EU’s efforts for its own policies regarding the digital economy and its governance?