No. Alberta follows Canada’s one party consent rule, which means you can legally record a phone call as long as you are part of the conversation and you consent to the recording. You do not need the other person’s permission unless you are a business recording customers. Recording calls you are not part of is illegal. If you have ever wondered whether you can record a phone conversation in Alberta without getting into trouble, you are not alone. This question comes up all the time, especially for business owners, employees, landlords, tenants, content creators, and even everyday people dealing with disputes.
The truth is that Alberta has very clear rules about telephone recording. Once you understand them, you will know exactly when you can record a call, when you must get consent, and when recording might get you into legal trouble.
Let’s break everything down in the simplest way possible.
Understanding Alberta’s Phone Call Recording Laws
Alberta follows “one party consent”
Under Canadian Criminal Code Section 184, it is legal to record a phone call in Alberta as long as at least one person in the conversation gives consent.
That means:
- If you are part of the call
- And you agree to the recording
- You do not need the other person’s permission.
This is known as one party consent recording, and it is completely legal across Alberta and the rest of Canada.
Simple example
If you call someone and hit the record button, you are allowed to record because you are giving consent on your own behalf.
When Recording Becomes Illegal in Alberta
Even though Alberta allows one party consent, there are situations where recording becomes illegal.
1. You cannot secretly record a call that you are not part of
If you try to intercept and record a call between two other people, that is illegal surveillance and a serious crime under the Canadian Criminal Code.
Example
If you record a call between your employees without joining the call, this is illegal.
2. You cannot use the recording for criminal or harmful purposes
Even if you record legally, you cannot use the recording to blackmail, harass, or threaten someone.
Example
If you record a conversation and then threaten to post it online to embarrass someone, you could face legal consequences.
3. Businesses must follow additional privacy laws (PIPA)
Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) requires businesses to notify customers if their calls are being recorded for quality assurance or training.
So businesses must say things like:
“Your call may be recorded for training purposes.”
But private individuals do not need to follow PIPA when recording their own personal conversations.
Read More: How To Make Cheap International Calls?
Can You Record Calls at Work in Alberta?
Employees recording work conversations
If you are part of the conversation, you can record it without telling your employer. However, using the recording later in a complaint or lawsuit may depend on the situation.
Courts generally allow recordings when:
- You recorded your own conversations
- It helps prove harassment or mistreatment
- It was not done maliciously
Courts usually reject recordings if:
- They were done to trap someone
- They violate company policy
- They invade someone’s privacy without a proper reason
Employers recording employees
Employers must:
- Give clear notice
- Explain the purpose
- Only use the recording for lawful business reasons
Secretly recording employees without purpose can breach PIPA.
Can You Record a Phone Call With Police in Alberta?
Yes, if you are part of the conversation.
You are legally allowed to record:
- A police phone call
- A police interview
- A traffic stop conversation
But keep in mind:
- You should not interfere with the officers
- You cannot break other laws while doing so
- Courts may review the context to decide whether the recording is acceptable evidence
Can You Use a Phone Call Recording as Evidence in Alberta?
Most of the time, yes.
Alberta courts usually allow recordings if:
- You were part of the call
- The recording is relevant
- It was not obtained by intercepting someone else’s conversation
Recordings are commonly used in:
- Family disputes
- Harassment complaints
- Workplace cases
- Fraud investigations
- Landlord tenant disputes
Courts rarely accept recordings obtained by spying or illegal interception.
How To Legally Record a Phone Call in Alberta
Here’s a safe and simple checklist:
✔ Be part of the conversation
If you are one of the speakers, it is legal.
✔ Record only your own calls
Never record a call between other people.
✔ Do not use the recording for harmful purposes
Avoid threats, blackmail, or malicious editing.
✔ Consider telling the other person (optional but recommended)
Even though the law does not require it, transparency avoids conflict.
✔ Businesses must provide notice
Individuals are exempt, but companies must follow PIPA.
Should You Tell Someone You’re Recording a Call?
Legally, in Alberta, you don’t have to.
But sometimes telling the other person helps:
- When discussing sensitive topics
- When trying to resolve a conflict
- When recording a customer or client
- When seeking legal protection
If you want a friendly script, here’s a simple one:
“Just letting you know I’m recording this call so we both have a clear record of what’s said.”
Common Real Life Scenarios
1. Recording abusive calls
Completely legal if you are part of the conversation. Many people record calls for their safety.
2. Recording a landlord or tenant dispute
Legal as long as you are part of the call.
3. Recording a scammer
Fully legal and even helpful for reporting fraud.
4. Recording for YouTube or TikTok
Legal to record your own call but posting it online may require removing personal information to avoid civil issues.
Is It Illegal To Record a Phone Call in Alberta? Quick Answer
No. Alberta is a one party consent province, meaning you can record a phone call as long as you are part of the conversation and not using the recording for harmful or criminal purposes.
Final Thoughts
Phone recording laws in Alberta are actually very straightforward. As long as you follow the principle of one party consent and avoid recording conversations you are not part of, you are legally safe.
Most issues come from misunderstanding privacy laws, especially at workplaces or within businesses. If you record for personal safety, documentation, or clarity, Alberta law generally supports your right to do so.
FAQ: Recording Phone Calls in Alberta
1. Is it illegal to record a phone call in Alberta?
No. Alberta follows Canada’s one party consent rule. You can legally record a phone call if you are part of the conversation and you give consent yourself.
2. Do I need the other person’s permission to record a call in Alberta?
No. You do not need the other person’s permission as long as you are one of the participants in the call. Businesses are required to notify customers, but private individuals are not.
3. Can I secretly record a phone call with my employer in Alberta?
Yes, if you are part of the conversation. Employees are allowed to record their own calls or meetings. However, employers cannot secretly record employees without notice.
4. Are phone call recordings admissible in Alberta court?
Yes. Courts generally accept recordings if you were part of the conversation and the recording is relevant to the case.
5. Can I record a call between two other people in Alberta?
No. Recording a conversation you are not part of is illegal interception and can lead to criminal charges.
6. Can I record a call with police in Alberta?
Yes. You can legally record your own conversation with police as long as you do not interfere with their duties.
7. Do businesses in Alberta need consent to record calls?
Yes. Businesses must give clear notice under Alberta’s PIPA when recording customer calls for quality or training purposes.
8. Can I record phone calls for personal safety in Alberta?
Yes. Recording abusive or threatening calls that you are part of is fully legal and often helpful in reporting harassment.
9. Can I post recorded phone calls online?
You can record legally, but posting the call online may require removing personal details to avoid privacy or civil issues.
10. Should I tell someone before recording a phone call in Alberta?
You don’t have to tell them legally, but doing so can prevent misunderstandings and build trust in sensitive situations.
