British Columbia


OVERVIEW	The Personal Information Protection Act governs the use and disclosure of personal information by private organizations.
ENACTED	2004
GENERAL PRIVACY LAWS	Personal Information Protection Act
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION LAWS AND REGULATIONS	Personal Information Protection Act (2004) has been deemed to be “substantially similar” to PIPEDA. Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
TYPE OF DATA PROTECTED	Personal Information.
WORKPLACE PRIVACY LAWS	Personal Information Protection Act provides employees with privacy rights.
TRANSBORDER TRANSFERS	N/A
FINES AND SANCTIONS	A violation of the Act is considered a tort and an individual who sustains damages as a result of a violation may pursue damages from the individual. A violation can also be a crime under the act.
OTHER PRIVACY LAWS AND REGULATIONS	Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (1996) Privacy Act (1996) Personal Health Information Access and Protection of Privacy Act, or Bill 24: E-Health Act (2008)