Witness Protection Program
The delivery of federal Witness Protection services is federally legislated through the Witness Protection Program Act (WPPA). The WPPA designates the Commissioner of the RCMP as the administrator of the Program on behalf of the Government of Canada.
Pursuant to the WPPA, the federal Witness Protection Program (WPP) ("the Program") is responsible for providing protective measures, such as relocation and change of identity, for individuals admitted into the Program.
The collection and use of personal information is consistent with the purposes identified in PIB RCMP PPU 015.
Personal information is collected for the purpose outlined in the WPPA and is being collected directly from the individuals themselves. The information gathered is strictly for matters related to the provision of Witness Protection services. Due to its sensitivity, the information is kept on a Protected "C" system on the Classified Environment. Disclosure is done in accordance with the WPPA and pursuant to section 8(1) or 8(2) of the Privacy Act.
The risks to privacy are minimal at best. All WPP personnel are aware of the disclosure provisions outlined in the WPPA and they are made aware of the transactional logs. There is also a security framework built in the system, and access to the files is strictly on a need-to-know basis.
In conclusion, the privacy issues and/or risks identified in the Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) can be resolved through the development, documentation and implementation of the resolutions outlined. The appropriate procedures and processes will ensure compliance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.
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