How your privacy is protected

A public body may collect, use, and disclose a certain amount of your personal information so it can conduct its business. Public bodies are required to establish practices to protect and manage your personal information.

A public body may only collect your personal information for a specific purpose. It can collect your personal information if it is:

• Authorized or required by law,
• Required for law enforcement purposes,
• Necessary for and directly related to its programs, services, or activities, or
• For a common or integrated service, program, or activity.

A public body can only collect the minimum amount of personal information about you that is reasonably necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was collected.

A public body can only use your personal information for the purpose it was collected. Additionally, it may use your information for a purpose consistent with its original purpose. If a public body wants to use your information for a different purpose, it requires your consent. There are other limited circumstances where a public body may use your information, such as for producing de-identified information.

Public bodies are required to protect your information. Some examples of how they may do this include:

• Establish practices to comply with the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (RTIPPA).
• Inform you about why they are collecting your personal information and the legal authority they have to collect your information.
• Inform you of who to contact if you have any questions about their privacy practices.
• Make reasonable security arrangements against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or disposal of your information.
• Keep your information accurate and up to date.
• Securely dispose of your information in accordance with a written policy.

Your personal information can only be disclosed by a public body in certain circumstances. Some examples of when your personal information may be disclosed include:

• If you have consented to its disclosure.
• For the purpose that the information was collected or compiled.
• To comply with a New Brunswick or federal law.
• To comply with a treaty, arrangement or agreement between governments.
• For law enforcement purposes.
• To obtain or enforce a support order.
• To protect the mental or physical health or the safety of any individual or group.
• To determine someone’s eligibility for a program or benefit.