Privacy Policy

The following statements apply to the usage of all site content published under any top-level domain name ending in ".ptbocounty.ca". For any questions, please reference the Peterborough County Privacy Policy or contact the Clerk's Office at clerksoffice@ptbocounty.ca. All relevant terms are defined in the Peterborough County Privacy Policy.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION, PROTECTION OF PRIVACY

The Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) provides a right of access to information under the control of institutions and protects privacy for those whose information is held by such institutions.

COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC

This policy obligates the County of Peterborough to protect personal information in our control. Privacy breaches undermine the trust of our citizens and cause harm to those whose information is leaked. As such, the county has outlined steps to contain breaches and mitigate harm

POLICY SCOPE

This policy applies to all employees, volunteers, contractors, agents, and Council members of the County of Peterborough. A Procedure has been created and approved by Leadership Team and is denoted as PR-CORP-01.

This policy does not apply to Custodians of personal health information regulated under 
the Personal Health Information Protection Act. Please consult the Peterborough County-City 
Paramedics for their practices regarding Privacy and Information.

COLLECTION

Collection is only to occur when necessary for a particular purpose. Notice will be given when information is collected and will outline the legal authority, purpose for usage, and contact information regarding the collection of information. The county will ensure the collection of all information is done securely, lawfully, and accurately.

AVAILABILITY

Personal information will only be made available internally and externally if required by law or if consent is given by the individual. Personal information will only be used for the purpose that was outlined when it was collected. Individuals are able to request to examine their own information.

RETENTION

Information will be securely retained for one year after it has been used unless authorized under 
another retention period in the County’s Records Retention By-law.

PROTECTION

Information will be securely kept by the County, and instructions will be given to third-party institutions to process this information only in ways that conform to County procedure. As such, if breaches do occur, they will be reported with haste and dealt with according to County procedure.

CLERK'S OFFICE

The Clerk's Office will handle all inquiries related to breaches of information. They will determine if law enforcement should be informed or involved.

DIRECTORS AND MANAGERS

Directors and managers will be familiar with this policy, train their staff accordingly, and address non-compliance.

EMPLOYEES

Employees will be familiar with this policy and follow procedure to keep information safe. As such, computers, desks, and files with personal information shall be kept locked when not in active use. The IT Privacy Policy will be followed at all times, and all breaches will be reported to a director or manager.