Canadian Privacy Decisions

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada investigated a complaint concerning the Public Service Commission of Canada's collection and disclosure of an individual's medical release information from the Canadian Forces. The information was used for a priority hiring program for ex-military staff. The investigation found that the complainant had consented to the collection and disclosure.

• Collection and disclosure of personal information
• Consent to collection and disclosure
• Use of personal information for priority hiring program

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada filed a privacy complaint against the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB) in November 2009, following media reports about an internal audit on the Permit Book process and concerns about potential improper disclosure of farmers' personal information, including Social Insurance Numbers (SINs), to third parties. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) investigated and found that the CWB had appropriate protocols in place to safeguard personal information and that SINs were not disclosed to third parties. The OPC also found that personal data was only shared with the Canada Revenue Agency when required by law. Consequently, the complaint was dismissed as not well-founded.

• Whether the Canadian Wheat Board improperly disclosed personal information, including Social Insurance Numbers (SINs), of grain producers to third parties.
• Whether the Canadian Wheat Board complied with privacy legislation regarding the collection, use, safeguarding, and sharing of personal information.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada investigated a complaint from an individual who was asked to provide his driver's licence number to close his postal box with Canada Post. Canada Post stated this was necessary to prevent fraudulent activity and for investigations into illegal shipments. The OPC found Canada Post's collection of identification numbers to be reasonable and consistent with its mandate to provide secure postal services. The complaint was dismissed as not well-founded.

• Reasonableness of collecting driver's licence number for postal box closure.
• Consistency of collection with Canada Post's mandate and security requirements.
• Purpose of collecting personal information.