Backgrounder
2005-2006 Contributions Program

Following is a brief description of funded projects:

Organization: Canadian Internet Policy Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC)
Location: Ottawa, ON
Funding Amount: $50,000
Project: The PIPEDA: Compliance Testing and Special Report on the Data-Brokerage Industry

The Canadian Internet Policy Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC) will investigate how well organizations subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) are complying with the law. CIPPIC will then develop a model for compliance-testing. The researchers hope to use their work as a useful tool for holding companies accountable under PIPEDA, therefore making privacy laws more effective.

The researchers will also look at uncovering a poorly understood but critical market sector through which Canadians’ personal information is widely collected, used and shared: the data brokerage industry.  

Organization: Ryerson University
Location: Toronto ON
Funding Amount: $36,150
Project: Workplace Privacy - The Employer’s Perspective

Though workplace privacy concerns are primarily driven by employees, the right of employers to supervise and monitor their employees’ performance has long been recognized in Canada. New technology now makes it possible for employers to process and retain information by monitoring employees. This project will highlight some of the issues, concerns and interests that motivate employers in their adaptation of new workplace surveillance technology. It will also evaluate the degree to which employers are aware of the privacy-related implications of their surveillance and monitoring measures.

Organization: University of British Columbia
Location: Vancouver, BC
Funding Amount: $27,000
Project: A Preliminary Exploration of Workplace Privacy Issues in Canada

This project will thoroughly explore the challenges to privacy in the workplace posed by current and emerging technologies. While much attention has been given to video surveillance of employees, this research will focus on other issues that arise as a result of surveillance. Though it is generally known that employees in the U.S. have almost no privacy rights at work, the researchers will explore whether this is the case for Canadians.

A comprehensive list and description of workplace privacy challenges will be produced as part of the project, as well as a preliminary survey instrument designed to uncover the prevalence and seriousness of the challenges.

Organization: British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA)
Location: Vancouver, BC
Funding Amount: $24,200
Project: PIPEDA Enforcement Evaluation

The British Columbia Civil Liberties Association (BCCLA) will evaluate the current Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) enforcement regime and compare its effectiveness to similar regimes in other jurisdictions. The BCCLA will conduct research into the enforcement mechanisms contained in PIPEDA and undertake a comparative analysis with other laws designed to protect personal information.

The BCCLA plans to make recommendations for enhancing the current enforcement model.

Organization: University of Ottawa
Location: Ottawa, ON
Funding Amount: $11,500
Project: Social Uses of DNA in the Context of Developing Policies and Analysis of two DNA-related bills

The use of DNA samples has raised a number of issues concerning privacy and retention of personal information, particularly in the context of protecting personal information in the digital era.

This research will focus on understanding the social uses of DNA samples and the repercussions in the criminal justice system. The research will also examine social forces involved in the legislative process and the promulgation of two DNA bills (C-3 and C-13), as well as related submissions tabled before Parliament.

This research is designed to encourage public debates on the validity of claims by different social forces. It is also aimed to provide the Office with an analysis grid that will allow it to assess claims by different groups or individuals involved in the debate, and to develop its own position.

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For more information, please contact:

Florence M.C. Nguyen
Media Relations
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Tel: (613) 943-0025
E-mail: fnguyen@privcom.gc.ca
www.privcom.gc.ca

Valerie Georgewill
Media Relations
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Tel: (613) 992-3745
E-mail: vgeorgewill@privcom.gc.ca
www.privcom.gc.ca