How to raise your privacy concern with an organization

Always try to resolve the issue with the organization you had a problem with before reporting a concern to the OPC or other privacy-related government organizations. If you don’t take this step first, we may not be able to accept your complaint.

Raising your privacy concern with a business

If you believe that a business mishandled your personal information, start by contacting the privacy officer at the business about your concerns. Businesses should take your concerns seriously and work with you to resolve them.

Tips for raising your privacy concern with a business

Raising your privacy concern with a federal government institution

You can raise your concerns with the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Co-ordinator of the institution responsible for the personal information at issue.

List of ATIP coordinators by institution
Tips for raising your privacy concern with a federal government institution

Raising your privacy concern with a provincial, territorial or municipal government

This does not fall under the OPC’s mandate.

However, like the federal government, other levels of government have privacy officers who are responsible for ensuring that personal information is handled appropriately in their organization. You should be able to find the correct contact information on their websites or by contacting their general information phone number.

Note: The OPC’s File a formal privacy complaint tool can help you find the right government office to contact about your privacy concern.

Provincial and territorial privacy organizations

Raising your privacy concern with other organizations

This does not fall under the OPC’s mandate.

However, all organizations should have people who are responsible for ensuring appropriate handling of personal information. Contact the organization and ask for the contact information for the responsible person or business unit. Start by contacting them to find out how to raise your concerns.