What are the laws surrounding data privacy?

Statistics Canada takes the confidentiality and privacy of Canadians very seriously. All information provided is kept confidential and used only for statistical purposes.

Protected by law

Your data is protected by law, including the:

Keeping your information private, safe and confidential

Statistics Canada takes further measures to keep your information safe and private, such as:

  • By law, Statistics Canada cannot hand over anyone's personal information – not to the police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or even the courts.
  • Final results are carefully screened before release to prevent published statistics from being used to derive information.
  • The Statistics Act contains very strict confidentiality provisions that protect collected information from unauthorized access:
    • Statistics Canada uses state-of-the-art tools, software and processes that prevent disclosure and ensure the confidentiality and privacy of individual data.
    • Statistics Canada doesn't share your personal information with other organizations, unless your consent is given.
    • Our employees are responsible for ensuring the security of confidential information.

What you need to know:

  • Statistics Canada knows your information is important to you. We have rigorous processes in place to keep it private, safe and confidential.
  • Your data is protected by laws and other relevant federal policies designed to safeguard your privacy.
  • The Statistics Act contains very strict confidentiality provisions that protect collected information from unauthorized access.

If you have any additional questions or concerns, we invite you to contact:

Pierre Desrochers
Access to Information and Privacy Coordinator
R.H. Coats Building, 2nd Floor
100 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6
Telephone: 613-894-4086
Email: statcan.atip-aiprp.statcan@statcan.gc.ca


Learn about how we protect your data privacy

Date modified: