FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 27, 2000
Safeguard of records
at risk as Ontario privatizes computer network
The Mike Harris government risks divulging confidential information
on its citizens when it privatizes Ontario's central information
network, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union warns.
OPSEU President Leah Casselman said public hearings must be held
before the government turns over its central computer network to a
private company.
"The inherent danger to the public lies in who will get to use
the information, and for what purpose," Casselman said. "Are
Ontarians expected to blindly trust that private companies won't sell
confidential records for profit?"
The government has issued a contract tender for the network linking
most Ontario ministry information technology functions. This network
includes links to data on births and deaths, marriages, business
liens, family support payments, data on drivers' records and vehicle
registration, court fines, public trustee data, correctional institute
data, and employee payroll and pension data and social services.
Casselman warned that privatizing access to confidential records
could lead to leaks of information on individuals. Unlike government
employees, company employees are not required to take an oath of
confidentiality under the Public Service Act.
Under the "Request for Proposals" to be issued by the
government July 21, the computer network controlling the data would be
owned and operated by the private sector and used by the government.
In 1997, confidential information on account holders of the
Province of Ontario Savings Office (POSO) was disclosed to CIBC Wood
Gundy and Angus Reid, a pollster hired to survey POSO account holders
to evaluate their reactions to the possible privatization. Privacy
Commissioner Ann Cavoukian concluded that the release of the
information contravened the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act.
"Now the same government is handing over the keys to thousands
more confidential records to the lowest bidder," Casselman said.
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For further information:
Julien Marquis (416) 327-2715; (905) 510-8020
Paul Bilodeau: (416) 443-8888; (416) 766-3252
