COVID-19 Privacy And Data Collection

While some businesses are considering reopening its physical doors as Ontario heads into Stage 2 of its reopening plans, and others are implementing long-term work-from-home measures, privacy and data collection issues will undoubtedly continue to arise more frequently as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Canada is home to both federal-level and provincial-level authorities that oversee and regulate privacy-related legislation. While privacy laws continue to apply during the COVID-19 pandemic, these regulatory bodies have made it clear that these laws should not act as “a barrier” to appropriate information sharing. That being said, now is the perfect time for all organizations to implement best practices on how it intends to collect, store, and use private information – below, we have summarized and highlighted privacy-related best practices with respect to personal information, employee information, and data collection tips to pass onto your employees.

COVID-19: Return To Work Playbook

The progress we make regarding reducing the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario will determine how and when a return to the workplace is permitted. The Ontario government created a province-wide framework and workplace specific guidelines to assist employers in planning a return to the workplace. As the framework and guidelines are subject to change, it is important to regularly monitor official information provided by the government. Specifically, the following are suggestions for employers…