Like many U.S. states, Canada’s province of Québec is struggling to reach consensus on legislation to enhance protection of individuals’ personal information. But after a year, Bill 64, as Québec’s draft law is known, is mired in controversy and divided aims. Recent amendments spotlight the rifts among its supporters, and in certain ways appear to disregard the reality of individuals and that of Québec organizations.

Perhaps the clearest view of these issues is through the progress of Bill 64 over the last year, which seems to reflect the seasons:

Summer 2020: The Sun Shines