Privacy impact assessment summary for the National Program of Historical Commemoration

Description

The National Program of Historical Commemoration is a key initiative of Parks Canada aimed at recognizing and preserving places, persons, and events of national historic significance. Administered in collaboration with the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC), this program operates under the authority of the Historic Sites and Monuments Act. The designations encompass a diverse array of subjects, including archaeological sites, heritage buildings, cultural landscapes, and notable individuals or events that have shaped the nation's development. Through this program, Parks Canada ensures that Canada's rich and varied history is commemorated, fostering public understanding and appreciation of the nation's heritage.

Why a privacy impact assessment was completed

Parks Canada supports the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in the commemoration of places, persons and events of national historic significance. The PIA was initiated to ensure compliance with the Privacy Act, Treasury Board Secretariat policies and directives, and the expectations of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. The assessment was undertaken in accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat’s Directive on Privacy Impact Assessments, recognizing that these activities involve the collection and handling of personal information while supporting efficient management of the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

Additional information

The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) determined that Parks Canada’s National Program of Historical Commemoration presents a low level of privacy risk. As part of program implementation, Parks Canada established a new class of records and corresponding Personal Information Bank (PIB) to support the administration of the program in accordance with the Privacy Act. The personal information collected under this program is limited in scope, directly related to program delivery, and used solely for authorized program purposes. Access to personal information is restricted to authorized Parks Canada employees on a need‑to‑know basis. All personal information is retained and processed within Canada.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC) provided a recommendation regarding the provision of a privacy notice statement prior to applicants submitting a nomination. In response, Parks Canada developed and published a Privacy Notice Statement (PNS), which is made available to applicants, including on the Parks Canada nomination webpage.

The assessment confirmed that existing practices are aligned with core privacy principles, including the limitation of collection, use, and disclosure; the accuracy of personal information; and the application of appropriate administrative and physical safeguards. Parks Canada also continues to reinforce staff awareness through targeted privacy training relevant to program responsibilities.

No unresolved compliance issues were identified through the PIA.

Related personal information banks

National Program of Historical Commemoration (PC HPE NHS EP 001); Program of Historical Commemoration (PC PPU 074); National Historic Sites Conservation Programs (PC HRC NHS CP 002); National Historic Sites (PC PPU 085).

For more information about this privacy impact assessment

In order to have access to the full PIA, please submit a formal request at the following link: Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Online Request (apps.gc.ca).