November 22, 2013
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has received complaints with respect to letters referencing the Marihuana Medical Access Program that were sent by Health Canada to individuals. We will be investigating this matter.
This incident is being investigated under the Privacy Act, which covers federal departments and agencies. The OPC investigates complaints and, given the Commissioner’s role as an ombudsman, makes recommendations to organizations with respect to their personal information handling practices.
Given that the Privacy Commissioner will be investigating this matter, individuals do not need to file individual complaints in order to initiate a full investigation. The Commissioner may report to Parliament on the results of her investigation.
The OPC is mandated by Parliament to act as an ombudsman and guardian of privacy rights in Canada.
