Can I travel outside of Canada with a laptop or other portable computing or data storage device that contains personal information belonging to the University (i.e., student records)?
Yes. Sections 33.1(1)(e) and (e.1) permit a University employee to access personal information while temporarily traveling outside of Canada when that access is necessary for the performance of her or his duties. These sections also allow a service provider of the University with authority to access personal information to do so while temporarily traveling outside of Canada so long as that access is normally necessary for the performance of duties in relation to the University. “Temporarily traveling” is not defined as a specific time. It could be days if the employee is at a conference, a week if the employee is on University business, or a month if the employee is on an extended assignment abroad. However, it does mean that it is not a permanent situation. University departments and service providers should carefully consider the requirements of sections 33.1(1)(e) or (e.1), keeping in mind that disclosure of personal information outside Canada pursuant to these sections is only perm
