Investigations Branch

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner is responsible for investigating complaints received from individuals under section 29 of the Privacy Act, and section 11 of the PIPEDA. These investigations are carried out by investigators from the Investigations Branch.

Investigations serve to establish whether individuals have had their privacy rights violated and whether they have been accorded their rights of access to their personal information. Where privacy or access rights have been violated, the investigation process seeks to provide redress for individuals and prevent violations from reoccurring.

As an ombudsman, the Commissioner seeks to take a cooperative and conciliatory approach to investigations whenever possible. She encourages the resolution of complaints through negotiation and persuasion in order to settle matters at any stage of the investigation process.