Investigation into the disclosure of an adopted child’s name to their biological mother by the Canada Revenue Agency

This investigation examined allegations that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) inappropriately disclosed an adopted child's adoptive name, and the adoptive mother's personal information, to the child's biological mother. The OPC found that, on the balance of probabilities, the CRA likely disclosed the child's adoptive name, contravening section 8 of the Privacy Act. Deficiencies were also identified in the CRA's internal procedures for safeguarding adopted children's personal information. The complaint was found to be well-founded but not resolved, as the CRA agreed to implement some, but not all, of the OPC's recommendations.

• Whether the CRA disclosed the child's adoptive name and the adoptive mother's personal information to the biological mother without consent.
• Whether the CRA's internal procedures adequately protected the personal information of adopted children.
• Whether the CRA's actions contravened section 8 of the Privacy Act.
• Whether the complaint was resolved based on the CRA's response to the OPC's recommendations.