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Accountability

Accountability for collection, use, disclosure and protection of personal information in the custody or under the care and control of the Department rests with the Minister, even though other individuals within the Department are responsible for the day-to-day collection, use, disclosure and protection of personal information.

The Department of Community Services, Seniors and Labour identifies the purposes for which it collects personal information prior to the time the information is collected, in accordance with Provincial and Federal legislation.

The knowledge and consent of the individual about whom the personal information relates are required for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information.

The individual from whom the personal information is collected shall be informed of:
the purpose for which the personal information is collected;
the authority for the collection; and
contact information of an employee who can answer questions about the collection.

Written, implied or verbal consent shall be obtained, as appropriate, from the individual or authorized representative, depending upon the nature of the circumstances, for any collection, use or disclosure of personal information.

Department staff must use discretion in obtaining consent where circumstances suggest that capacity or safety may be an issue.

The Department limits the collection of personal information to that which is necessary for its identified purposes through fair and lawful means.

The Department does not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law.

Department employees may only have access to personal information required by them for the performance of their duties.
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as required by legislation.
The Department will establish and comply with a retention and destruction schedule for personal information under its custody or care and control.
The Department will disclose personal information in a manner consistent with legislation, including but not limited to:
(i) the purposes for which the information was collected or a consistent purpose;
(ii) meeting legislated requirements, or the requirements of an agreement authorized by legislation; or
(iii) purposes of research and in compliance with section 39 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.