Summary of the Financial Assistance for Canadians Victimized Abroad in Emergency Situations of Undue Hardship and Exceptional Circumstances Privacy Impact Assessment
Description
The Federal Victims Strategy consolidates all federal government work related to victims of crime into one objective: to give victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system.
The Victims Fund provides grants and contributions to support projects and activities that encourage the development of new approaches, promote access to justice, improve the capacity of service providers, foster the establishment of referral networks, and/or increase awareness of services available to victims of crime and their families. The Fund does not provide criminal injuries compensation for victims of crime.
Why a privacy impact assessment was completed
Conducting a PIA was essential given the sensitive nature of the personal information collected and processed. The program requires handling of medical, financial, and law enforcement records, as well as trauma-related details concerning victims and their families, all of which pose significant privacy risks if not adequately safeguarded. Applicants are often in highly vulnerable circumstances, including victims of violent crimes, individuals who are incapacitated, or family members dealing with grief, making the potential impact of any privacy breach particularly harmful. Completing a PIA ensures compliance with the Privacy Act and Treasury Board policies by identifying risks such as over-collection, unauthorized access, inappropriate retention, and lack of transparency. Moreover, the PIA strengthens accountability and public trust by demonstrating that the Department of Justice has implemented appropriate measures.
Additional information
- For proper use and disclosure, the use of personal information in reports is properly aggregated in order to limit any re-identification.
- Internal audit processes were created in order to monitor proper access of folders in the Digital Workspace (SharePoint).
Outstanding risks that are anticipated to be mitigated in the coming months include:
- Publishing the new personal information bank.
- Updating the privacy notice statement and consent statement.
- Updating online form to properly capture consent.
- Creating internal procedures to properly document consent.
- Creating an information sharing arrangement with Global Affairs Canada.
- Training staff on proper handling of personal information.
Related personal information banks
Personal Information Bank:
- JUS PPU 035 (not yet registered with Treasury Board Secretariat)
Class of Record:
For more information about this privacy impact assessment
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