Questions & Answers

Does PIPA apply to former employers and if so for how long after the employment was terminated?

PIPA applies to all private sector organizations in Alberta and to all personal information held by those organizations, unless the Act says that it does not apply (section 4(1)). If your "former employer" fits the definition of organizations in PIPA section 1(i), then it is likely that they are subject to the Act.

An organization's retention period for personal information is determined based on legislative requirements, business & operational needs and records management policies. PIPA speaks to retention of information in section 35 of the Act, where it states that "an organization may for legal or business purposes retain personal information as long as is reasonable".

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