In today's information-driven society, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is a critical yet ever problematic issue for government, business and individuals. Access to information held in vast government databanks and the use of personal information by third parties â€" in commercial, medical and private contexts â€" raise unprecedented legal questions, unique privacy concerns and vexing logistical problems.

Newly and thoroughly updated, Halsbury's Access to Information and Privacy (2020 Reissue) provides a definitive examination of the statutory and judicial framework that governs the rules, requirements, prohibitions, caveats and exemptions relevant to the fields of both access and privacy.

Access to information

The federal, provincial and, where applicable, municipal statutory framework

Rules governing data held by government bodies in the 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories, including:

The purpose, scope and application of access laws

Legislation allowing access

General, mandatory and discretionary exemptions to access

Procedural issues

Form and elements of a request

Time limits

Manner of access

Reviews and appeals

Offences and protection from prosecution and liability

Privacy Law

Public sector privacy issues

The collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by government bodies

Federal Privacy Act considerations and relevant provincial legislation

Storage and care of personal information

Private sector privacy issues

Scope and application of PIPEDA

Substantially similar legislation in provincial jurisdictions

Right to access and correct personal information

Role of consent

Limits on collection, use and disclosure

Special rules applicable to health information

Privacy in an employment and labour context

Civil liability and privacy torts

Charter issues

Personal information protection in miscellaneous statutes

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