Genome Alberta’s Commitment to Privacy
Purpose and Scope
This Privacy Statement outlines Genome Alberta’s commitment to protecting personal information collected and used in the course of its activities. Genome Alberta adheres to the ten privacy principles of the Canadian Standards Association’s Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information, in compliance and alignment with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other relevant laws.
Definition of Personal Information
Personal information refers to any information about an identifiable individual, including factual or subjective information. This does not include the name, address, and professional contact details of employees used solely for business contact purposes.
Privacy Principles
1. Accountability
- Genome Alberta is responsible for safeguarding personal information in its control, including information shared with third parties for processing. A Privacy Officer is designated to ensure compliance with this policy through established protocols.
- Genome Alberta maintains a Board-approved Confidentiality Policy that defines what constitutes confidential information, outlines the treatment of such information, and specifies circumstances under which it may be disclosed by Genome Alberta, its representatives, and third parties. All confidential information will be handled and disclosed in accordance with this policy. All employees must sign a Confidentiality Agreement to affirm their commitment to upholding these privacy standards and protecting confidential information.
- Genome Alberta maintains comprehensive internal privacy policies detailing how personal information is collected, used, and disclosed to safeguard personal information related to eligible activities.
2. Openness
Genome Alberta makes information about its privacy practices accessible, including:
Contact information for the Privacy Officer
Access, Information Privacy and Security Policies and procedures
A general description of the personal information held
Information sharing with related organizations
3. Collection
- Personal information is collected only as necessary for identified purposes and is generally collected directly from the individual. In some cases, public domain or publicly available sources may be used.
4. Identifying Purposes
- Before collecting personal information, Genome Alberta identifies and informs the individual of the specific purposes. If new purposes arise, additional consent is sought from the individual.
5. Consent
- Except as permitted by law, Genome Alberta collects personal information only with the individual’s knowledge and consent. The form of consent may vary based on the sensitivity of the information. Individuals may withdraw consent at any time, with reasonable notice and subject to legal obligations.
6. Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
- Personal information is only used or disclosed for the purposes initially identified, unless further consent is obtained or as required by law. It is retained only as long as needed for the fulfillment of these purposes.
7. Accuracy
- Genome Alberta takes steps to ensure the accuracy of personal information as needed. Individuals are encouraged to update personal information to maintain accuracy.
8. Access
Individuals may request access to their personal information by submitting a written request to the Privacy Officer. Subject to applicable privacy legislation, Genome Alberta discloses the information, the source and usage of this information, as well as third-party disclosures. Requests may be denied in specific legal circumstances. Individuals can challenge the accuracy of their information and request corrections or submit a statement of disagreement if needed.
Genome Alberta provides, upon written request, public access to information relating to its activities to the greatest extent possible, excluding proprietary or personal information of external organizations, groups, or individuals. Access to information complies with applicable privacy legislation.
9. Safeguards
Appropriate safeguards are used to protect personal information, depending on its sensitivity. These measures include:
Physical security (e.g., locked cabinets, restricted office access)
Organizational practices (e.g., limited access, employee training)
Technological protections (e.g., passwords, secure data transmissions)
Proper disposal to prevent unauthorized access
10. Challenging Compliance
Individuals may direct inquiries or challenges regarding Genome Alberta’s compliance with this policy to the Privacy Officer in writing at the address provided below.
Contact Information for Privacy Officer:
Genome Alberta
200, 3512 33 Street NW
Calgary, Alberta T2L 2A6
Contact: Mitthua Sarkar-Banks
This Privacy Policy may be changed from time to time without notice. Revisions will be posted on Genome Alberta ‘s website at genomealberta.ca. This Privacy Policy is dated March 24, 2025.
