What is covered by the Privacy Act and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)?
A. Canadians are protected by two federal privacy laws, the Privacy Act and PIPEDA. As of January 1, 2004, PIPEDA covers the collection, use or disclosure of personal information in the course of any commercial activity within provinces, including provincially regulated organizations. This Act applies to all personal information in all inter-provincial and international transactions by all organizations subject to this Act. Oversight of both Acts rests with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada who is also authorized to receive and investigate complaints.
