Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) was introduced on January 1, 2004 to govern the handling of personal information by organizations. The Act tries to balance the individual’s right to have his or her personal information protected with the organization’s need to collect, use and disclose this information for legitimate and reasonable purposes.

 Currently, the Act only applies on a limited basis to certain non-profit organizations including those established under the Societies Act, the Agricultural Societies Act, or organizations registered under part 9 of the Companies Act (charities). For these organizations, the Act only applies to personal information that is collected, used or disclosed as part of a commercial activity.

However, a report currently before government proposes that the Act be amended to make PIPA apply fully to all not-for-profit organizations, subject to a one year transition period.

It is anticipated that this change will be accepted by Government in early 2009.Over the coming months, CCVO will be assessing the implications of this proposed change for Calgary’s nonprofits and charities to determine our course of action.

Do you have an experience you would like to share about the challenges your organization has faced in protecting client, donor, participant or other individuals’ personal information? Contact Kim Mustard at 261-6655 ext 228.

CCVO has previously written on PIPA. Our previously released information can be found here.