Learn about the key privacy impact assessment (PIA) requirements that Canadian federal government departments must follow prior to acquiring and implementing electronic services, as mandated by Treasury Board guidelines.
Table of Contents
Question
What must a federal government department do before it implements an electronic service (e-service)?
A. Conduct a preliminary PIA before acquiring the service
B. Complete a PIA in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines.
C. Publish a privacy statement in newspapers and on the government website.
D. Determine if the Office of the Privacy Commissioner must be notified of the launch of this new e-service
Answer
According to the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat’s Directive on Privacy Impact Assessment, federal government departments must complete a privacy impact assessment (PIA) before implementing a new electronic service (e-service). The correct answer is:
B. Complete a PIA in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines.
Explanation
A PIA is a due diligence exercise that federal institutions are required to conduct when developing or redesigning programs or services that involve the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. The PIA helps identify and mitigate potential privacy risks associated with the e-service.
While conducting a preliminary PIA before acquiring the service (option A) is a good practice, it does not fully meet the Treasury Board requirements. Publishing a privacy statement (option C) is important for transparency but is not a substitute for a comprehensive PIA. Determining if the Office of the Privacy Commissioner must be notified (option D) may be part of the PIA process but is not the primary requirement.
In summary, completing a PIA in accordance with Treasury Board guidelines is the most comprehensive and accurate answer, as it ensures that federal departments thoroughly assess and address privacy implications before launching a new e-service.
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