Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

Two prisoners complained after a report containing their personal information was found among a fellow inmate's belongings. An investigation determined that a contract worker printed the report, which was then accessible to a welding instructor. While the report was later discovered with another inmate's effects, it could not be determined how it got there. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner confirmed the privacy rights of the complainants had been breached.

• Unauthorized disclosure of personal information
• Safeguarding of personal information by staff and contractors
• Accountability for handling sensitive reports

A letter carrier complained that his supervisor had opened and read a sealed medical form submitted for a disability insurance claim. The investigation confirmed the supervisor used information from the form to challenge other medical documentation from the employee. The OPC found that the employee's personal information was used for an incompatible purpose without consent, upholding the complaint as well-founded.

• Unauthorized access to personal health information
• Use of personal information for an incompatible purpose
• Failure to ensure personal information was used only for the purpose for which it was collected

A former inmate complained after a psychiatric nurse employed by the Keele Community Correctional Centre left his treatment file on a bus. The OPC confirmed that the inmate's privacy had been breached and upheld the complaint as well-founded. The Centre, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Correctional Service of Canada, took appropriate corrective measures, including reminding the nurse of his duty to safeguard personal information and not to transport files unless encrypted.

• Duty to safeguard personal information
• Appropriate measures to prevent recurrence

An inmate at Kent Institution complained after a 10-page National Parole Board decision concerning him was intercepted, photocopied, and circulated among other inmates. The OPC investigated and found that the disclosure violated the Privacy Act. Following the incident, Kent Institution implemented changes to its mail delivery process, including placing confidential documents in sealed envelopes.

• Unauthorized disclosure of personal information
• Adequacy of security measures for sensitive documents
• Compliance with the Privacy Act

A complainant alleged that Canada Post collected excessive personal information when she applied for special paid leave to care for a relative. While Canada Post argued the extensive collection was necessary to prevent fraud and ensure fair administration of leave, the OPC found that too much personal data was requested, particularly about third parties. Canada Post accepted some recommendations, agreeing to collect only necessary information and update guidelines, but maintained its collection of data on other family members working at Canada Post to prevent abuse, a practice the OPC expressed reservations about.

• Necessity of collecting personal information for special leave applications
• Collection of personal information about third parties
• Balancing fraud prevention with privacy rights

A woman complained that her Social Insurance Number (SIN) and other personal information were mishandled at a mandatory employment insurance (EI) information session. The attendance sheet containing the SINs of 32 participants went missing. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) investigated and found that HRSDC had not properly safeguarded the personal information, upholding the complaint as well-founded. HRSDC has since implemented new procedures to protect SINs at these sessions.

• Safeguarding of SINs and other personal information
• Adequacy of breach response and mitigation measures
• Preventing future breaches involving SINs

An individual complained after Health Canada refused to provide him access to personal information collected about him during an occupational health and safety evaluation. Health Canada cited section 28 of the Privacy Act, which allows information to be withheld if disclosure would be contrary to the individual's best interests. The OPC found that the information sought was not solely related to the individual's health and therefore section 28 did not apply. The complaint was well-founded, but resolved after Health Canada agreed to release the information.

• Appropriateness of withholding personal health information under section 28 of the Privacy Act
• Scope of "physical or mental health" records for the purpose of section 28
• Requirement for consent when involving a medical professional for assessment under section 28