Investigations and Inquiries Branch

The Investigations and Inquiries (I&I) Branch investigates complaints received from individuals under Section 29 of the Privacy Act (PA) and Section 11 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) which may include allegations of the mismanagement of personal information but which are different from incident investigations. The Branch also investigates incidents that are different from individual complaints and not filed under those provisions. These incidents come to the Branch’s attention through various sources, including federal government institutions subject to the PA and entities subject to PIPEDA. The Branch also examines these occurrences in an effort to assist federal government institutions (PA) and organizations (PIPEDA) in ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The Branch is headed by Mr. Art Dunfee, Director General.

Audit and Review Branch

The Audit and Review Branch audits organizations to assess their compliance with the requirements set out in the two federal privacy laws. The Branch also analyses and provides recommendations on privacy impact assessment reports (PIAs) submitted to the OPC pursuant to the Treasury Board Secretariat Policy on PIAs. The Branch is headed by Mr. Steven Morgan, Director General.

Research, Education and Outreach Branch

The Research, Education and Outreach Branch is responsible for researching privacy and technology issues to support policy development, investigation and audit, and the public education program. The Branch administers the research program, which was launched in 2004 to support research into, and the promotion of, the protection of personal information. The Branch supports international outreach activities and stakeholder engagement activities. The Branch is headed by Mr. Colin McKay, Director.

Communications Branch

The Communications Branch focuses on providing strategic advice and support for communications and public education activities for the OPC. In addition, the Branch plans and implements public education and communications activities through media monitoring and analysis, public opinion polling, media relations, publications, special events and the OPC Web site. The Branch is headed by Ms. Anne-Marie Hayden, Director.

Legal Services, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Branch

The Legal Services, Policy and Parliamentary Affairs Branch provides strategic legal and policy expertise to the OPC on emerging privacy issues in Canada and internationally. It represents the OPC in litigation before the courts both in Canada and internationally, and provides advice to the Commissioners on the interpretation and application of the Privacy Act and PIPEDA. The Branch provides expert legal support to the operational Branches of OPC, including Inquiries & Investigations and Audit & Review, as well as general legal counsel on a variety of corporate matters. It is responsible for monitoring legislative and government program initiatives, analyzing them and advising the Commissioners on appropriate policy positions to protect and advance privacy rights in Canada. The Branch prepares for and supports the office in appearances before Parliament and in relations with Parliamentarians. The Branch is headed by Ms. Lisa Campbell, Acting General Counsel.

Human Resources

Human Resources is responsible for the provision of strategic advice, management and delivery of comprehensive human resource management programs in areas such as staffing, classification, staff relations, human resource planning, learning and development, employment equity, official languages and compensation. The Branch is headed by Ms. Maureen Munhall, Director.

Corporate Services

The Corporate Services Branch provides advice and integrated administrative services such as corporate planning, resource management, financial management, information management/technology and general administration to managers and staff. The Branch is headed by Mr. Tom Pulcine, Director General and Chief Financial Officer.