I believe other speakers will say more on this. I also believe that an analysis founded on the usefulness of the concept of confidentiality in human relationships could open new vistas in the public debate. First, I will question the reasons why confidentiality has been protected in the framework of human relationships. Then, I will question what might be called the hierarchical grading of the relationships considered by the law. I will conclude with the issues that, in my opinion, should be raised in the framework of a law reform.
Confidentiality is the cement of human relationships.
We develop as human beings, learn, and maintain intimate relationships and friendships by trusting others. Trust is also essential in work, commerce and travel. Clearly, human relationships are partly based on trust. The moment we think of a society where those human relationships are valorized and upheld, we must begin to think about the legal handling of trust. The legal handling of confidentiality can also be understood in the same framework, for certain human relationships hinge on notions of trust that necessitate confidentiality.