An Overview of Canada’s Privacy Act of 1983

Summary:

The Canadian Privacy Act of 1983 is a federal legislation that aims to protect individual privacy regarding personal information held by government institutions. The Act governs how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, and stored, emphasizing transparency and individual rights. Key provisions include:

Collection of personal information limited to what is directly related to an operating program or activity
Individuals have the right to access and correct their personal information
Disclosure of personal information limited to specific conditions, such as consent or legal requirements
Penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violating the Act

Understanding the Privacy Act is essential for Canadians concerned about their privacy rights, as it provides a framework for safeguarding personal information held by federal government institutions.