A directive from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat (TBS) requires that all federal institutions carry out what it calls a privacy impact assessment (PIA) prior to any activity that involves the collection or handling of personal information, with the goal of identifying privacy risks and ways of mitigating or eliminating them.

According to the directive, which took effect in 2002 and was revised in 2010, federal departments must then provide a copy of their PIA to the TBS and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

Radio-Canada asked each of the federal institutions using the spyware if they had first conducted privacy impact assessments. According to their written responses, none did. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans said it intends to do so.

"There are influential people in Alberta who share the former school trustee’s views and have a militant commitment to advancing them, and who will see an opportunity to engage in culture warfare."

"Ten train cars that came off the tracks in the Medicine Hat marshalling yard, including some tank cars on their sides, were “re-railed” on Monday, according to a brief statement from Canadian Pacific Kansas City railroad. "

"A Redcliff resident has been charged after a string of commercial break and enters in the town and western Saskatchewan this month.

The RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit and Redcliff RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence in Redcliff on Sept. 21.

The 36-year-old man is charged with break and enter; wearing disguise with intent; mischief to property; theft under $5,000; possession of stolen property over $5,000; possession of stolen property under $5,000; and possession of break-in tools.

He was released following a bail hearing and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 28."

"HOT SUMMER GUIDE: Showcasing everything we love about Alberta. It’s larch season! When fall rolls around, the Rocky Mountains turn golden as the beautiful larch trees change colours. This hike is known for having some of the best larch views around."

"Alberta’s provincial government announced new protocols on Monday in an effort to address increasing concerns about violence being committed in the province’s major cities."

"22 patients have developed a disease which affects the kidneys after E. coli infection"

"Lawyers for groups proposing and opposing the construction of the Saamis Solar Park in Medicine Hat are in dispute about next steps during a province-wide pause on renewable energy projects, but both agree their costs could mount."

"Three City of Medicine Hat construction projects are scheduled to start today.

At the Lions Park baseball diamond, work begins on an accessible asphalt trail to connect the eastern edge of the diamond area to the Strathcona parking lot. The city says it will create an easily navigable path for people in wheelchairs or other mobility limitations. "

Great to see so much support for such a good cause!

"The 37th annual Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund Toy Run took place this past Saturday. The run started in Irvine, where motorcycle enthusiasts fill the hamlet for the kickoff pancake breakfast, before riding to the city and ending outside the grandstand at the Medicine Hat Stampede & Exhibition grounds. "

"After a summer of skyrocketing power prices and utility bills, Medicine Hat City Council is giving customers immediate cost relief.

Measures for interim “best of market” electricity rates and an investigation into how the city sets its energy rates were also passed.

All nine councillors unanimously approved a cost pressure relief program totalling $33.1 million

Every residential utility account holder will receive a cost pressure relief payment of $400 on their bill for September and $200 in October and November. "