The Federal Privacy Commissioner and the Provincial and Territorial Commissioners from all provinces and territories, except Quebec, have collaborated on a "Privacy Emergency Kit". The material in the "Kit" was developed to address the sharing of personal information in emergency situations such as hurricanes and other natural disasters, pandemics or other health related crises and situations such as terrorist attacks and explosions. The "Kit" is based on a resolution adopted by the International Conference of Data Protection and Privacy Commissioners in 2011.
The "Kit" consists of the following topics and "checklists":
- Frequently Asked Questions About Emergencies and Legal Authorities for Sharing Personal Information
- Before an Emergency: A Checklist for Appropriate Handling of Personal Information
- During an Emergency: A Checklist for Appropriate Handling of Personal Information
- After an Emergency: A Checklist for Appropriate Handling of Personal Information
- Privacy in the Time of a Pandemic: Fact Sheet for Employees (October 2009)
- Privacy in the Time of a Pandemic: Guidance for Employers (October 2009).
The purpose of the guidance presented by the Commissioners is, "to help organizations enhance the timeliness and content of communications during an emergency while giving people confidence that their personal information will be handled appropriately." The guidance applies to both public and private sector organizations.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
