Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP)
In 1993, the province of Nova Scotia enacted the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Its purpose is to make public bodies more open and accountable to the public in the way they acquire, use and dispose of information.
This is achieved in a number of ways including:
- giving the public a right of access to records in the custody and control of the University, subject only to limited and specific exemptions;
- giving individuals a right of access to personal information held by the University about them and allowing them the opportunity to request a correction to said information;
- specifying limited exemptions to the right of access;
- ensuring appropriate collection, use and disclosure of personal information.
The Act also provides the opportunity for individuals to request information, making public bodies directly accountable to each citizen.
A complete copy of the Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is available on the government web site at http://foipop.ns.ca/legislation.html.
Personal Information and Protection of Electronic Documents (PIPEDA)
PIPEDA, which came into force January 1, 2001, establishes new rules for privacy. The rules recognize the rights of individuals to control the use of their personal information. The rules also impose obligations on organizations to protect personal information in a manner that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances. This legislation protects the privacy rights of all Canadians as it applies to every organization that collects, uses or discloses personal information in the course of commercial activities.
A complete copy of Bill C-6, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act is available on the Privacy Commissioner’s web site at http://privcom.gc.ca.
Privacy Act
Under the federal Privacy Act, individuals can request access to their own individual information held in federal information banks, including those held by Statistics Canada.
Students who do not wish to have their information used are able to ask Statistics Canada to remove their identifying information from the national database.