Electronic Documents and Electronic Information Regulations

The Electronic Documents and Electronic Information Regulations were made by the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Employment and Social Development. The regulations come into force on the day of registration.

These regulations apply to electronic documents and electronic information sent or received by the Minister or the Commission. They deal with conversion, sending and receiving, migration, and retention of electronic documents and information, as well as the use of electronic signatures.

The regulations require that electronic signatures be reliable and indicate the signatory's intention. The standard of reliability for electronic signatures is established based on factors such as the purpose, method of identification, and ability to verify alterations.

Conversion of documents or information into digital format must not compromise their legal value and integrity. The conversion process must be recorded and retained throughout the required retention period.

Electronic documents and information may be retained in an electronic format if it meets certain criteria, including readable contents and a reliable means of maintaining integrity. The integrity of electronic documents and information is maintained throughout the retention period by assessing security measures and verifying alterations.

A person must not alter an electronic document or information without authorization. Authorized persons can make alterations, and details of each alteration must be recorded in an unalterable record.

When the retention period for an electronic document or information ends, it may be destroyed if the details of destruction are recorded in an audit log or similar document.

These regulations aim to provide a framework for the management and use of electronic documents and electronic information by the Minister and the Commission.