How to protect your privacy in the workplace

Fact Sheets

Privacy in the Workplace

Application of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act to Employee Records

Social Networks Sites in the Workplace: An Introduction

Privacy and Social Networking in the Workplace

Privacy in the Time of a Pandemic: Fact Sheet for Employees

Speeches

Work and Play in the Age of Social Networking
Remarks at the IAPP Knowledgenet Conference
Address by Elizabeth Denham, Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Calgary, Alberta
May 12, 2010

Finding the right workplace privacy balance
The Ryerson University Workshop on Workplace Privacy
Address by Jennifer Stoddart, Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Toronto, Ontario
November 30, 2006

Privacy in the Workplace
Lancaster House Workplace Privacy 2006 Conference
Address by Jennifer Stoddart, Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Toronto, Ontario
April 11, 2006

Findings under the Privacy Act

Improper disclosure of information to prospective employer

Monitoring of employee’s e-mails was appropriate

Manager is justified in tapping into employee’s e-mail account

Harassment and vandalism complaints justify surveillance

Employee complains DND disclosed personal information

Government has right to monitor use of its e-mail systems

Creating Travel Profiles for Public Servants

E-mail system confounds sender, discloses safety worries

RCMP medical questionnaire too intrusive for civilian applicants

CIC was collecting income tax information from Canadian employers

Inappropriate monitoring of employees' e-mail accounts

Findings under PIPEDA

PIPEDA Case summary #2009-001: Bus terminal video surveillance is challenged by company employee

PIPEDA Case summary #318: Allegations of an inappropriate disclosure and blood testing

PIPEDA Case summary #293: Commissioner considers access, correction, and inappropriate disclosure allegations against insurance company

PIPEDA Case summary #290: Video surveillance cameras at food processing plant questioned

PIPEDA Case summary #287: Request for medical information deemed reasonable, but consent procedures not properly followed

PIPEDA Case summary #285: Company refuses former employee's request for access

PIPEDA Case summary #284: Use and disclosure of health information considered appropriate, but access request was mishandled

PIPEDA Case summary #279: Surveillance of employees at work

PIPEDA Case Summary #269: Employer hires private investigator to conduct video surveillance on employee

PIPEDA Case Summary #268: Electronic monitoring does not yield any information, but practice is strongly discouraged

PIPEDA Case Summary #265: Video cameras in the workplace

PIPEDA Case Summary #264: Video cameras and swipe cards in the workplace

PIPEDA Case Summary #257: Employees objected to corporation's requirement for medical diagnosis on sick leave certificates

PIPEDA Case Summary #255: Airport authority's collection and retention practices questioned

PIPEDA Case Summary #235: Individual challenges employer's refusal to grant sick leave

PIPEDA Case Summary #226: Company's collection of medical information unnecessary; safeguards are inappropriate

PIPEDA Case Summary #220: Telemarketer objects to employer sharing her sales results with other employees

PIPEDA Case Summary #147: Railway company withholds employee's personal information

PIPEDA Case Summary #135: Individual alleged that employer asked for too much medical information

PIPEDA Case Summary #114: Employee objects to company's use of digital video surveillance cameras