Government Responds to Privacy Breach

The Provincial Government has responded to a privacy breach that occurred earlier this week involving the release of personal information held by the Department of Finance.

"On August 9, the Department of Finance became aware of a privacy breach that exposed personal information regarding a number of applicants to a government program," said the Honourable Tom Marshall, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. "The Provincial Government takes the handling of residents' private and confidential information extremely seriously. This incident was acted upon immediately and according to protocol, in order to retrieve the information and contain the breach. The individuals involved are in the process of being notified. They are being provided an explanation of how the breach occurred and what corrective actions are being taken to minimize the likelihood of future occurrences, as well as contact information should they have further questions or wish to file a complaint with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner."

The privacy breach occurred when personal information of 78 individuals was included in error in written correspondence mailed to another person. Through a review of the incident, the department is aware to date of only this person having received the personal information. All individuals involved were applicants to the Heating Oil Storage Tank Replacement Assistance Program. The information collected from applicants for this program includes name, spouse's name, Social Insurance Number, and whether the amount of family income falls above or below a particular threshold level.

Minister Marshall noted that immediately upon learning of this situation, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office was engaged, and the department took quick steps to determine what the scope of the breach might be.

"The department has thoroughly reviewed the incident to determine how it occurred," said Minister Marshall. "Procedures and practices have been examined and necessary changes are being made so that processes are in place to prevent other such unfortunate instances from happening in the future."

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Media contact:
Mark King
Director of Communications
Department of Finance
709-729-6830, 699-3454
markking@gov.nl.ca 

2010 08 13                                                    2:35 p.m.