About the Act

The Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) is in force as of January 2004.

The purpose of PIPA is to govern the means by which private sector organizations handle personal information in a manner that recognizes both the right of an individual to have his or her personal information protected and the need of organizations to collect, use or disclose personal information for purposes that are reasonable.

PIPA will provide individuals the opportunity to request access to their own personal information, and will include provisions regarding the correction and care of personal information by organizations. PIPA will also apply to personal employee information.

Some examples of the organizations to which PIPA is expected to apply to include:

non-profit organizations

trade unions

private schools

partnerships

corporations

unincorporated associations

professional regulatory associations

any individual acting in a commercial capacity

any individual acting on behalf of a corporation, unincorporated association, trade union or partnership