Access and Privacy Online

Access and Privacy Online


Technology lift for businesses backed by grants

The Northwestern Innovation Centre is providing small and medium-sized Northern Ontario enterprises with a funding opportunity aimed at expanding technology to enhance business operations. The Northern Technology Accelerator Program (NTAP) is a non-repayable grant program that will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible technology costs to a maximum of $10,000. Administered by Blue […]

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Fisheries Department offered support to firm behind doomed Titan submersible

Two years before the Titan submersible imploded south of Newfoundland, killing five people, Canada’s Fisheries Department sent a letter of support to the sub’s American owner, the U.S. Coast Guard says in a report released Tuesday. The 300-page investigation report says the sinking was preventable. It says the company responsible for organizing the trip, OceanGate, […]

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Privacy commissioner to investigate WestJet cybersecurity breach

The office of Canada’s privacy commissioner says it has opened an investigation into a cyberattack on WestJet which saw a “malicious actor” gain access to the airline’s systems. The airline said in a statement last month that a “sophisticated, criminal” third party was able to gain access to some personal and travel-related data during the […]

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Rat complaints on the rise in Montreal as critics demand city take action

The rats took over James Klein’s backyard this spring. He’d never had a rat problem in the more than two decades he’s lived in Montreal’s Snowdon neighbourhood. But now, when he watches TV in his family room, he sees them out of the corner of his eye, scurrying around outside the glass door leading onto […]

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The Justice Department seeks voter and election information from at least 19 states, AP finds

NEW YORK (AP) — The requests have come in letters, emails and phone calls. The specifics vary, but the target is consistent: The U.S. Department of Justice is ramping up an effort to get voter data and other election information from the states. Over the past three months, the department’s voting section has requested copies […]

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20250802 Access and Privacy Online

This is your Access and Privacy News Summary for Saturday, August 2nd.   We start with a scan of access to information stories across Canada that touch on many recurring issues—including a legislative review in New Brunswick that could strengthen the province’s Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Then, as back-to-school season begins, we look […]

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Saskatchewan Ranks Highest on National Crime Severity Index

Each year, Statistics Canada publishes data on the number and types of criminal incidents occurring across the country. They also calculate and release a Crime Severity Index, which is a summary measure of the volume and severity of crimes reported to police in various areas, provinces, and at the national level. In this index, all […]

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‘It’s about avoiding scrutiny’: Niagara residents deterred from filing complaints against Mayor Jim Diodati, Councillor Mike Strange

In April last year, Niagara Falls elected officials refused to consider a request from Councillor Lori Lococo to review the process for residents to file complaints against their municipal representatives, including the possibility of removing the $500 fee that has been widely criticized as shielding councillors from accountability.  It was admitted by elected officials at […]

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Watch out for social media con artists, mayor warns

Social media often plays a positive role in today’s society, but one has to exercise caution to avoid getting taken in by the growing number of scammers online, says Arviat Mayor Joe Savikataaq Jr. Savikataaq said there’s more and more scammers who are becoming increasingly creative when it comes to conning people out of their […]

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Trump administration is launching a new private health tracking system with Big Tech’s help

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration announced it is launching a new program that will allow Americans to share personal health data and medical records across health systems and apps run by private tech companies, promising that will make it easier to access health records and monitor wellness. More than 60 companies, including major tech […]

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Scams getting more sophisticated due to AI, and Calgary parents are being targeted

Nationwide, scams of all kinds are more dangerous and convincing than ever, with some scammers even hiding under the chaos of back to school season. In Calgary, June 2025 saw over $6.5 million in losses due to fraud and scams, with 584 successful incidents reported to police. Scammers have targeted victims with deceptive parking and […]

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US wants back millions in COVID relief from local governments over missing reports

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — The U.S. Treasury is seeking to recoup COVID-19 pandemic relief funds from hundreds of local governments that received millions of dollars but never complied with requirements to report how they used the money. The federal government distributed $350 billion to state, local, territorial and tribal governments as part of the […]

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