Jane Stewart

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, first let me clarify that the database was never kept secret. In fact it was part of the InfoSource information that was provided and available to all Canadians, and the privacy commissioner made a reference in that regard.

Let us also look at what he said, however, and I want to quote again:

I want to take particular note of the spirit in which our discussions have taken place and the clear demonstration of your determination to improve the supervision and management of your information systems in ways that strengthen the privacy rights of Canadians. I have no doubt that the public will welcome these measures.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, without question, having good information is part and parcel of building good public policy. We believe that, the privacy commissioner believes that and I believe that Canadians believe it.

In the context of issues around visibility, we will continue to work with the privacy commissioner to determine the most appropriate way to ensure that Canadians are comfortable with the information they provide and the way it is used.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, along with the privacy commissioner, we understand the importance of good information so that we can create good public policy. Along with the privacy commissioner we understand that the privacy of Canadians has to be paramount. Together we looked at the future of this file. We saw it coming to its limit. Rather than add more information, the prudent thing was to take it apart and create a regime of protocol so that we can continue to access the information as needed, as defined and as reviewed. This includes a review by the privacy commissioner, so that we can not only continue to have effective management of files, but also ensure the privacy of information.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, clearly, this is a very important question. We have been working with the privacy commissioner to identify a process by which individual Canadians can receive this information, but do it with the confidence that it will be their information.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, we will respond to the requests of Canadians who have asked for this information. Clearly the file has been dismantled, but we will facilitate the gathering of that information from its separate sources so that Canadians who wish it can have it.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, let us look at what the privacy commissioner said. He said in a letter to the deputy minister on May 27: “We accept and support these measures. They satisfy all the recommendations and observations that were outlined in my 1999-2000 Annual Report”.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, again the opposition is just fearmongering. Let us remember what the privacy commissioner said last week. He indicated that all laws had been abided. He indicated that there had been no breaches of information, but he identified a concern for the future. With the changing technology and with the rapid advancements, I too am concerned about that. That is why we have taken the prudent measure of dismantling the longitudinal labour force file.

[Human Resources Development, May 29th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, earlier today I announced the dismantling of the longitudinal labour force file. It comes less than two weeks after the privacy commissioner tabled his last advice on this file. At that time I indicated that I wanted to work with him co-operatively to deal with our shared concerns. The announcement today is an outcome of this very co-operative working relationship and I would note that he fully supports our undertakings.

[Human Resources Development, May 19th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I responded to that question earlier today. Indeed CSIS and the RCMP do not have direct access to this database. If they were to ask for information, it would only be with the support of a court order. The privacy commissioner himself has indicated that there have been no such requests and it has not been used for administrative work in this regard ever.

[Human Resources Development, May 19th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, for three days now the party of the extreme right has been saying that we should not have the research database that we have.

It is interesting that the Harris government, particularly the ministry of transportation, is selling confidential driver data including home addresses to private companies without the consent of Ontarians. It sells this personal information to collection agencies and insurance companies, the companies that the hon. member said should not have them.

Do members know what hurts? They are making money from it and are refusing to tell us in this province how much it is worth.