Privacy Act

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Introduction

The Privacy Act (R.S.C. 1985, c. P-21) came into force on July 1, 1983. The Act governs how the federal government may collect personal information, restricts the use and disclosure of this information, and gives individuals a right to review and correct their personal information. Section 72 requires every head of a federal government institution to submit a report to Parliament on the administration of the Act within their institution during the fiscal year.

This report is submitted in accordance with section 72 of the Act. It presents an overview of activities related to the Privacy Act carried out within Environment Canada during the reporting period April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011.

The Department of the Environment was established by the Government Reorganization Act (1970-71-72, c. 42) on June 10, 1971. The Department, also known as Environment Canada (EC), has as its primary duties renewable resources management and the protection of Canada's air, water and land resources.

The primary objective of the Department of the Environment is to preserve and enhance the quality of the environment for the benefit of present and future generations of Canadians. Departmental programs are designed to promote the establishment or adoption of objectives and standards relating either to improved environmental quality or pollution control, to ensure the wise management and use of renewable resources and to provide Canadians with environmental information in the public interest. As well, the Department ensures that new federal projects, programs and activities are assessed early in the planning process for potentially adverse effects on the environment and is the federal lead on Government of Canada sustainable development planning and reporting.

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