In a letter sent to Premier Gordon Campbell today, FIPA Executive Director Darrell Evans criticized the announcement in the Speech From the Throne that $180 million will be spent to create an “Integrated Case Management system”(ICM).
“The ICM system will have a severe negative effect on both the privacy rights of British Columbians and the public purse,” Evans wrote. “It will involve massive and unprecedented collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the provincial government.”
In light of reports blasting the provincial government for inadequate policies, care and competence in protecting the privacy of citizens, this kind of project should be put on hold, at least until adequate study and consultation has taken place, as recommended by the Information and Privacy Commissioner in last year’s annual report.
FIPA letter to Premier Campbell
Government news release, New Case Management System to Improve Service and Security
Editorial, Times Colonist: Giant Database a Threat to Privacy
Information and Privacy Commissioner Annual Report 2008-2009