Privacy impact assessment summary for the Parks Canada National Volunteer Program
Description
Parks Canada offers volunteer opportunities nationwide, from coast to coast to coast. Volunteers support Parks Canada staff in activities such as special events, visitor services, caretaking, research and monitoring, and living history programs. Participation is voluntary and does not create an employer–employee relationship. The National Volunteer Program has been in place since 1979 and operates across all Parks Canada field units, involving thousands of volunteers annually. To administer the program, Parks Canada collects a limited amount of personal information directly from volunteers through application and activity-specific forms, for purposes including recruitment, placement, coordination, safety, insurance coverage, communications, and recognition, in accordance with Treasury Board Secretariat requirements.
Overview and PIA initiation
A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was required for the Parks Canada National Volunteer Program because it involves the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for administrative purposes, as defined under the Privacy Act. The personal information collected supports program activities such as volunteer recruitment, placement, safety, insurance coverage, and ongoing engagement, which may have a direct impact on participating individuals. The PIA assessed privacy risks associated with the program, confirmed compliance with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directive on Privacy Impact Assessment and applicable legislation, and verified that personal information handling practices are necessary, proportionate, and limited to program administration. The assessment also identified safeguards to protect personal information throughout its lifecycle.
Summary of analysis and recommendations
Overall, the National Volunteer Program is compliant with the Privacy Act and the Treasury Board of Canada’s Policy on Privacy Protection. The PIA identifies a low level of privacy risk, primarily related to the retention and disposal of personal information. Parks Canada will continue to review, update, and develop policies, procedures, and protocols, as required, to ensure the ongoing protection of personal information and continued compliance.
Related personal information banks
National Volunteer Program PC PPU 081
For more information about this privacy impact assessment
In order to have access to the full PIA, please submit a formal request at the following link: Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request (apps.gc.ca).
Related links
- National Urban Parks Program
- Mi’kmaw youth archaeology camp
- National Program of Historical Commemoration
- National Program for Ecological Corridors
- Reservation service
- Land use planning activities
- Impact Assessment Program
- Wildland fire management
- Management of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park
- General Class Grants and Contributions Program
- Realty Activities
- Ecological Monitoring Program remote camera
- Partnering, sponsorship and donation activities
- Research and collection permit
- Newsletters and contests
- Uniform program
- Law enforcement program
- Youth employment and skills strategy program
- Parks Canada aquatic invasive species program
- Learn-to camp program
- Claims and Litigation Program
- National Information Service
- National point of sale solution
- Online sales of passes and permits program
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