Complaints to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

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You have the right to make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada if:

Your personal information has been collected, used or disclosed in a way that is not allowed under the Privacy Act (Canada);
You have been refused access to your personal information or the government has refused to make a correction you asked for, or you have any other complaint about requesting or obtaining access to your personal information;
You believe time limits for responding to your request have been extended unreasonably;
You have not been given access to your personal information in the official language or alternative format in which you requested it; or
You wish to make a complaint about any other matter relating to the collection, use, disclosure, retention or disposal of personal information by the government institution, or about a personal information index under s. 11 of the Privacy Act (Canada).

You have a right to authorize another person to submit a complaint on your behalf.

Procedures for Complaints Under the Privacy Act (Canada)

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada is responsible for investigating complaints under the Privacy Act (Canada). The investigators from the Investigations and Inquiries Branch of the Office do the investigations. Investigators consider the complaint, investigate the facts, including interviewing individuals and reviewing documents and other records, and, on that basis, will determine whether the complaint is "well-founded" or not.

If the investigation shows that your privacy has been violated, the investigator will try to find a remedy and prevent further violations. As an ombudsman, the Privacy Commissioner seeks to resolve disputes through mediation and other cooperative approaches.

If you were refused access to your personal information and you complained and have received the Commissioner`s report, you may apply to the Federal Court for a review. Generally, the time limit to apply for a review is within 45 days of the receipt of the Commissioners report, but that time may be extended by the Court.

To Make A Complaint

You may obtain forms for submitting a complaint from the Privacy Commissioner under how to make a complaint under the Privacy Act. Alternatively, you may send a letter by postal mail to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, explaining your problem and, if possible, the name of the government institution, the title and number of the information banks and other relevant details. Include copies of all letters you wrote or received about your request. Include a return address and phone number so the Commissioners office may contact you.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
112 Kent Street
Place de Ville, Tower B
3rd Floor
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H3
Fax: 613-947-6850
Inquiries: Toll Free #: 1-800-282-1376

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner does not accept complaints by email.

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