The protection of personal information has become a preoccupation for both individuals and corporations.  The global use and exchange of information that defines how we do business in the 21st century has led to a marked increase in the collection, use and disclosure of personal information, often without the individual's consent.  Provincial and federal legislation has been enacted across Canada and elsewhere in order to regulate this information flow and ensure that mechanisms are put in place to protect the privacy of individuals.

Our privacy practice group understands that personal information is an asset used by many corporations to enhance and increase their business opportunities.  However, these corporations must now reformulate or re-orient their marketing and strategic planning objectives in order to comply with the legislation affecting how they gather and make use of personal information – whether it is customer or employee information. 

Our privacy practice assists clients with numerous matters, including:

• Privacy assessments – advising clients regarding which privacy legislation governs their current information-handling practices and determining the level of compliance with applicable privacy legislation;
• Gap Analysis and Audit – identifying the risks associated with any gaps in a client's current procedures for managing the collection, use and disclosure of personal information;
• Privacy Policies – developing customized privacy policies that detail a client's policies and procedures for complying with applicable privacy legislation; and
• Training – providing the information and tools necessary for our clients to ensure that the manner in which personal information is collected, used or disclosed within their organization complies with applicable privacy legislation and is in keeping with our client's privacy policies.