Privacy & Data Protection
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
About
Provided by Dentons Canada LLP
Our Privacy, Data Protection and Cybersecurity practice is unique in that it is the only practice in Canada led by a former Privacy Commissioner. The group is well-known for its depth of knowledge, and ability to deliver complex and global mandates in a practical, comprehensive and integrated manner. The group excels in providing practical risk-based advice, assessments and strategies.
Increasingly, data privacy and security issues are international in scope and regulators are working together. Clients choose Dentons because they have access to one of the world's leading teams of privacy lawyers.
Key service areas:
- Compliance gap analysis, polices and programs governing the collection, use and disclosure of personal information
- Data breach and litigation preparedness evaluation and expert guidance when breaches occur
- Compliance programs for CASL, GDPR and Telemarketing Rules
- Evaluation of risks in online behavioral advertising and the use of digital markers
- Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) for new or ongoing initiatives
- Cloud computing agreements and risk analysis
- Data transfer agreements, including cross-border and outsourcing
- Personal health information processing standards and agreements
- Access to information/freedom of information requests
- Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) and other certification standards
- Multi-jurisdictional litigation or regulatory investigations for data breaches or misuse of personal information
Chambers Review
Dentons is renowned for its deep regulatory knowledge in the field of privacy and data protection. It ably assists with data governance and e-commerce matters including anti-spam, cybersecurity and marketing to children. Its privacy and data protection group is regularly active on behalf of clients operating in the automotive, technology and fintech sectors, who benefit from Dentons' global resources on a variety of cross-border matters. The Dentons Canada team is experienced in sensitive data breach litigation and also increasingly proficient in privacy issues concerning new technologies such as facial recognition and autonomous vehicles.
Work Highlights
- The team at Dentons assisted Nissan with privacy regulatory investigations and multiple privacy class actions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Dentons has done a great job navigating a very complex topic. Everyone we have dealt with at Dentons has been knowledgeable and sophisticated. I trust I will always get a quick response from them."
"Dentons can understand and handle complex situations, including those that involve novel issues. They lawyers are also great at asking more questions in order to understand all the complexities."
"Dentons always seems to have experts in every field to address the wide range of questions we send to them."
"Dentons has done a great job navigating a very complex topic. Everyone we have dealt with at Dentons has been knowledgeable and sophisticated. I trust I will always get a quick response from them."
"Dentons can understand and handle complex situations, including those that involve novel issues. They lawyers are also great at asking more questions in order to understand all the complexities."
"Dentons always seems to have experts in every field to address the wide range of questions we send to them."
Notable Practitioners
Kirsten Thompson is distinguished for the breadth of her expertise in the privacy field, providing compliance advice and considerable experience in investigations, public disclosure and courtroom advocacy. Based in Toronto, she is the head of the firm's transformative technologies and data strategy group.
"It is always a pleasure to work with Kirsten."
"Kirsten Thompson provided exceptionally succinct advice."
"Kirsten is an excellent partner."
Chantal Bernier is a recognised authority in Canadian privacy law, having previously acted as interim commissioner at the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. She continues to be sought after for her international experience, advising on a range of issues including cybersecurity and data gathering innovation. She is based in Ottawa.
"I have had really great dealings with Chantal. She is responsive and demonstrates a very collaborative approach."
Luca Lucarini is an associate with significant experience handling data protection mandates. Based in Toronto, he is adept at guiding clients through privacy regulatory investigations and class action disputes.
"Luca is a proficient lawyer who can work on various matters diligently and who has become an expert in privacy matters."
"Luca understands the nuances and complexities of situations. He is also flexible and willing to consider our perspectives or viewpoints but also challenge them and contribute new ideas."
Melika Mostowfiis recognised for her experience in assisting clients with cybersecurity and privacy incident response.
"Melika is a talented, poised and mature young lawyer in the privacy space."
Ranked Lawyers at
Dentons Canada LLP
Nationwide - Canada