Quebec Law 25: data portability effective Sept 22, 2024; penalties up to C$25M / 4% of worldwide turnover
Created 2026-05-22
Claim: Quebec Law 25 right to data portability became effective September 22, 2024. The Quebec government recommends CSV / XML / JSON as portable formats and advises against PDFs, images, or proprietary formats.
Penalties:
- Administrative monetary penalties: up to C$10M or 2% of worldwide turnover (whichever is greater)
- Penal fines: up to C$25M or 4% of worldwide turnover
Sources: Osler privacy guide 2024; Alation Law 25 overview; BLG legal analysis.
Confidence: Verified.
Implication for Candid clients in Quebec: A Quebec SMB has stronger portability rights than an Ontario SMB does — until federal Bill C-15 (see Canadian Bill C-15 (tabled Nov 4, 2025) — proposes data-mobility framework for federal PIPEDA) catches up. Worth knowing for any client with QC customers or operations.
Referenced by (4)
- reference Canadian Bill C-15 (tabled Nov 4, 2025) — proposes data-mobility framework for federal PIPEDA relates-to
- reference Research brief: Owning your stack — why agency-managed platforms cost more than they save (piece 4 of 15) relates-to
- reference European Accessibility Act enforcement began June 28, 2025 — penalties up to €100k (Germany), 4-5% revenue (France/Italy) relates-to
- reference Quebec Law 25 (fully in force Sept 22, 2024): data portability + fines up to C$25M / 4% of worldwide turnover relates-to