Privacy impact assessment summary for the Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit Program

Description

The Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit Program facilitates research across diverse fields including archaeology, natural science and social science. A permit is required for researchers conducting research and collection activities at places administered by Parks Canada. The program enables researchers to carry out research and collection activities that would otherwise be prohibited, ensuring compliance with applicable acts and regulations while supporting the advancement of knowledge about Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.

 

Overview and PIA initiation

A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for this program is required because personal information is being collected and used as part of the decision-making process. To obtain a research and collection permit, applicants are asked to provide limited personal information including name, contact information, and biographical information (if applicable for the research activity) for themselves and their field work team. The collection of personal information is limited to what is necessary for the administration of the program. A privacy impact assessment was completed to examine how personal information is collected, used, disclosed, retained, and disposed of, and to identify any potential privacy risks to the confidentiality and protection of an individual’s personal information.

 

Summary of analysis and recommendations

Overall, the Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit Program is compliant with the Privacy Act and the Treasury Board of Canada Policy on Privacy Protection. Personal information is collected directly from the applicant to whom the information relates, including their field work team’s information. Individuals are informed of the purpose of the collection of personal information in the associated Privacy Notice Statement, Personal Information Bank and Applicant’s Guide. Access to the information is limited to Parks Canada Research Coordinators and subject matter experts. Only aggregated data is used for reporting statistics and trend analysis. The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) identified low levels of risk associated with retention, disposal and protection of personal information, and no program-specific mitigation measures were identified.

 

Related personal information banks

The institution specific personal information bank is PC PPU 061.

 

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).

 

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