The Digital Governance Standards Institute (DGSI) is inviting public and stakeholder review of CAN/DGSI 109-1:2022 (R2024), Privacy – Part 1: Qualification and Proficiency of Access-to-Information, Privacy, and Data Protection Professionals, as it undergoes its periodic maintenance review.
As privacy laws evolve and data protection risks grow, the need for highly skilled privacy professionals has never been greater. Organizations across public, private, and non-profit sectors require professionals with strong expertise in privacy, access-to-information, and data protection to navigate compliance, mitigate risks, and uphold the rights of individuals.
About CAN/DGSI 109-1
This National Standard of Canada specifies the minimum qualifications and core competencies for privacy professionals, covering domains such as privacy laws, data protection practices, information governance, and the growing need for privacy education and awareness. The standard also supports organizations in developing training and certification programs to ensure ongoing professional proficiency in these areas.
Why This Review Matters
The review process, which begins one year from the date of publication, ensures that the standard remains aligned with evolving regulations, emerging threats, and best practices. The outcome may result in a new edition, revision, reaffirmation, or withdrawal of the Standard.
DGSI is calling on privacy professionals, policymakers, certification bodies, HR specialists, and legal experts to provide feedback and help shape the future of professional qualifications in privacy and data protection.
Key Aspects Under Review
- Core Competencies & Training Requirements – Ensuring privacy professionals have the right knowledge, skills, and certifications.
- Privacy & Access-to-Information Expertise – Strengthening qualifications for compliance with PIPEDA, FOI, and global data protection laws.
- Risk Management & Compliance Oversight – Enhancing competencies related to privacy impact assessments, security policies, and governance frameworks.
- Certification & Accreditation Processes – Evaluating the requirements for training programs and professional credentials.
- Ethical & Legal Responsibilities – Updating guidance on data ethics, confidentiality, and accountability.
How to Get Involved
DGSI encourages privacy experts, industry leaders, government representatives, and HR professionals to review the Standard and submit feedback by June 25 2025. Your input will ensure that privacy professionals in Canada are equipped to meet modern challenges in data governance.
To review the updated edition and submit feedback, please visit the standard’s page.
Darryl Kingston
Executive Director
Digital Governance Standards Institute
darryl.kingston@dgc-cgn.org
For further details or media inquiries, please contact:
Shyra Wells
Communications and Knowledge Mobilization Lead
Digital Governance Council
shyra.craig@dgc-cgn.org About the Digital Governance Standards Institute
The Digital Governance Standards Institute develops digital technology governance standards fit for global use. The Institute works with experts, as well as national and global partners and the public to develop national standards that reduce risk to Canadians and Canadian organizations adopting and using innovative digital technologies in today’s digital economy. The Institute is an independent division of the Digital Governance Council. To learn more about the organization and its initiatives, visit www.dgc-cgn.org or contact info@dgc-cgn.org.