Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

Browse privacy decisions from Federal (Canada) — with AI-generated plain-language summaries for every ruling.

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Federal (Canada)Ontario British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Quebec Nova Scotia New Brunswick Prince Edward Island Newfoundland and Labrador

Federal (Canada)Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents ActWell-founded & resolved

Dec 21, 2004Incident Summary #1· Indexed Apr 12, 2026

Incident Summary #1: Misdirected faxes containing health information end up in apartment managers' hands

Dynacare

The OPC investigated two separate incidents where health information was sent by facsimile to the wrong recipient. In the first incident, Dynacare sent a misdirected fax containing personal health information. In the second incident, Viewpoint sent a medical evaluation to an incorrect number. Both companies were found to have contravened PIPEDA by disclosing personal information without consent. Recommendations were made to both companies regarding faxing procedures, employee training, and notification of affected individuals.

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Outcome Notes

Federal rulings come from two regulators with different statutory authority — outcome filters cover both.

OIC Order (ATIA s.36.1, binding) — Since June 2019 (Bill C-58) the Information Commissioner can issue binding orders requiring disclosure or reconsideration. Enforceable after 31/41 business days unless reviewed by the Federal Court (s.41).

Well-Founded — finding that the complaint is well-founded. For OIC: ATIA s.37(1)(a) finding (may be paired with a s.36.1 order). For OPC: Privacy Act s.35(1) / PIPEDA s.13(1) advisory finding — recommendations only, no binding order-making power.

Not Well-Founded — no contravention found.

s.6.1 Application— the OIC's response to a head's application for authorization to refuse a frivolous, vexatious, or bad-faith access request. Granted = institution may refuse; Denied = institution must respond.

Settled / Resolved / Early-resolved — OPC matter resolved during or before formal findings without a contravention finding.

Declined to investigate / No jurisdiction — Procedural close (Privacy Act s.34, PIPEDA discretion, or scope outside the Acts).

References: ATIA s.36.1 · OPC disposition definitions

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Breach of Privacy archives Canadian privacy decisions from federal, provincial, and territorial commissioners. Each decision includes an AI-generated plain-language summary. Always verify against the official source document.

Federal (Canada) Privacy Decisions

Incident Summary #1: Misdirected faxes containing health information end up in apartment managers' hands

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Incident Summary #1: Misdirected faxes containing health information end up in apartment managers' hands

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