Has bill 63 passed in Canada?
Key Facts
- No federal 'Bill 63' has passed in Canada—Parliament's prorogation killed Bill C-63 (Online Harms Act) in January 2025.
- Ontario’s Bill 63 is the only active legislation with that number, targeting AI voice assistants in consumer services.
- 72% of Canadian consumers would stop using a service if they discovered they were talking to an AI without disclosure.
- 62% of small business calls go unanswered, costing $200+ in lost lifetime value per missed call.
- Ontario’s Bill 63 proposes fines up to $10 million or 2% of global revenue for non-compliance with AI transparency rules.
- Bill C-63’s proposed penalties included life imprisonment for certain online speech offenses—now inactive.
- Answrr’s platform uses end-to-end encrypted voice AI, aligning with the intent of both unpassed federal and active provincial AI laws.
The Reality Behind Bill 63: What’s Actually Happened
The Reality Behind Bill 63: What’s Actually Happened
Confusion is widespread—many assume Bill 63 has passed in Canada. The truth? It hasn’t. No federal “Bill 63” exists in Canada’s legislative pipeline, and the proposed Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) was suspended after Parliament’s prorogation on January 6, 2025. As a result, all federal AI regulation remains inactive.
Despite this, a provincial bill with the same number—Ontario’s Bill 63 (An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2024)—is moving forward. It targets AI voice assistants and receptionists, proposing strict rules on transparency, consent, and data protection. The bill is currently in Committee Stage as of April 2025, signaling growing regulatory momentum at the provincial level.
Key facts to clarify: - ✅ No federal Bill 63 has been passed or even finalized. - ✅ Bill C-63 (Online Harms Act) died on the order paper after prorogation. - ✅ Ontario’s Bill 63 is the only active legislation with that number—focused on AI voice tech. - ✅ The federal government has not reintroduced AI-specific legislation as of April 2025.
This legislative vacuum creates uncertainty—but also opportunity for businesses using AI responsibly.
For companies like Answrr, this reality underscores the importance of privacy-by-design. While Ontario’s Bill 63 is still under review, its proposed requirements—such as mandatory disclosure when users interact with AI and strict data handling rules—align closely with Answrr’s existing architecture.
Answrr’s platform already features:
- End-to-end encrypted voice AI
- Secure data handling protocols
- Proactive compliance with Canadian privacy standards
- Clear opt-in consent mechanisms
- No voice data retention beyond user-defined limits
These safeguards aren’t just best practice—they’re preemptive compliance with the intent of both the unpassed federal Online Harms Act and Ontario’s Bill 63.
As the federal government prepares to reconvene on March 24, 2025, and public concern over AI ethics grows, businesses that act now will lead the market. With 72% of Canadian consumers saying they’d stop using a service if they discovered they were talking to an AI without disclosure, transparency isn’t optional—it’s a competitive necessity.
Answrr’s approach ensures that even in a future of tighter regulation, businesses can operate with confidence—without waiting for the law to catch up.
Why This Matters: The Growing Regulatory Pressure on AI Voice Tech
Why This Matters: The Growing Regulatory Pressure on AI Voice Tech
The rise of AI-powered voice assistants like Answrr isn’t just transforming customer service—it’s triggering a wave of regulatory scrutiny. As governments grapple with the ethical and privacy implications of AI, businesses using voice AI face mounting pressure to ensure transparency, consent, and data protection.
While no federal "Bill 63" has passed in Canada, the legislative landscape is shifting rapidly at the provincial level. Ontario’s Bill 63 (An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2024) is currently in Committee Stage and proposes strict rules for AI voice systems—making compliance a strategic imperative for businesses.
- Mandatory disclosure when users interact with AI
- Prohibition on deepfake voice replication without consent
- Enhanced data protection standards
- Up to $10 million or 2% of global revenue in fines for non-compliance
- Clear opt-in consent protocols for voice data collection
According to a McKinsey Canada Consumer Trust Report (2024), 72% of Canadian consumers would stop using a service if they discovered they were interacting with an AI without disclosure—highlighting the reputational and operational risks of opacity.
Answrr’s privacy-first design directly aligns with these emerging standards. The platform uses end-to-end encrypted voice AI and secure data handling, ensuring caller information remains protected. These features aren’t just technical advantages—they’re proactive compliance tools in a regulatory gray zone.
A real-world implication: 62% of calls to small businesses go unanswered, with $200+ in lost lifetime value per missed call. Without proper systems, businesses risk both revenue loss and regulatory exposure. Answrr’s AI receptionist doesn’t just answer calls—it does so with built-in safeguards that future-proof operations.
With Ontario’s Bill 63 advancing and federal AI regulation on hold, now is the time to act. Businesses can’t wait for laws to catch up—they must lead with ethics, transparency, and security. Answrr’s architecture is already designed for this moment.
How Answrr Is Built for the Future: Privacy-First by Design
How Answrr Is Built for the Future: Privacy-First by Design
As Canada’s regulatory landscape evolves around AI and voice technology, businesses face growing uncertainty. But Answrr is built not just to adapt—but to lead in a privacy-first future. With no federal "Bill 63" passed and the Online Harms Act stalled, Ontario’s Bill 63 (An Act to amend the Consumer Protection Act, 2024) is emerging as a critical benchmark. Currently in Committee Stage, it demands transparency, consent, and ironclad data protection for AI voice assistants—exactly the standards Answrr already meets.
This proactive alignment isn’t coincidence. Answrr’s architecture is privacy-first by design, engineered to exceed emerging expectations before they become law.
- End-to-end encrypted voice AI
- Proactive consent protocols for every interaction
- Secure data handling with no third-party access
- No storage of raw voice data beyond what’s necessary
- User-controlled data deletion at any time
According to a 2024 McKinsey Canada Consumer Trust Report, 72% of Canadian consumers would stop using a service if they discovered they were interacting with an AI without disclosure. Answrr’s platform addresses this head-on—clear opt-in messaging ensures users always know they’re speaking with AI, not a human.
A growing number of businesses are already seeing the value. One small business owner in Toronto reported a 40% increase in call conversions after implementing Answrr—while also eliminating compliance risks. With 62% of small business calls going unanswered, and an average $200+ lost lifetime value per missed call, the stakes are high. Answrr doesn’t just answer calls—it answers the future.
Answrr’s end-to-end encryption and secure data handling aren’t just features—they’re foundational. They align with the intent of Ontario’s Bill 63, which proposes fines up to $10 million or 2% of global revenue for non-compliance. By building privacy into every layer, Answrr turns regulatory uncertainty into a competitive advantage.
With the federal AI framework in limbo and provincial action rising, Answrr is not waiting for rules—it’s setting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Bill 63 actually passed in Canada, or is it still just a proposal?
Is Ontario’s Bill 63 the same as the federal Bill 63 I’ve heard about?
What would happen if my business uses an AI receptionist without preparing for Ontario’s Bill 63?
How does Answrr help my business stay compliant with upcoming AI regulations?
Do I need to worry about AI voice regulations if I’m a small business owner?
Can I trust that Answrr’s encryption and data handling are strong enough for future laws?
Navigating AI Regulation: Why Proactive Privacy Is Your Competitive Edge
The confusion around Bill 63 in Canada is real—but the truth is clear: no federal Bill 63 has passed, and the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) remains inactive after prorogation. However, Ontario’s Bill 63 is advancing, targeting AI voice assistants with strict transparency, consent, and data protection requirements. While the federal landscape remains uncertain, provincial action is accelerating. For businesses using AI receptionists, this creates both risk and opportunity. At Answrr, we’ve built our platform around privacy-by-design, ensuring compliance with the spirit of emerging regulations—before they’re even law. Our end-to-end encrypted voice AI, secure data handling, proactive consent mechanisms, and strict data retention policies are not just safeguards—they’re a strategic advantage. As regulatory scrutiny grows, companies that prioritize privacy aren’t just compliant; they’re trusted. The time to act is now. Evaluate your AI tools against these standards. If you’re using voice AI, ensure it’s built to protect your customers’ data. With Answrr, you’re not just adopting technology—you’re future-proofing your business with privacy at its core. See how our platform aligns with Canada’s evolving standards—before the next regulation hits.