Media and Privacy and Access to Information

Privacy and Access to Information

Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) has historically respected the personal information in its possession regarding staff and students and has treated it in a confidential manner. In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), as outlined in the Special Report, Respecting Privacy, produced by the Manitoba Ombudsman’s Office in October 2003, MITT has adopted the following principles:

Accountability— MITT is responsible for protecting confidentiality of personal information including, but not limited to, education, demographics and health (PHIA – Personal Health Information Act).

Identifying Purposes—The purpose for which personal information is collected shall be identified by MITT at or before the time the information is collected.

Consent—The knowledge and consent of the individual is required for the collection, use or disclosure of personal information.

Limiting Collection—The collection of personal information is limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by MITT.

Limited Use, Disclosure and Retention—Personal information shall not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Personal information shall be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfilment of these purposes except for student records which will be kept in accordance with MITT’s Policy.

Accuracy— MITT uses reasonable effort to ensure personal information is as accurate, complete and up to date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is to be used.

Safeguards—Personal information is protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.

Openness—MITT shall make readily available to individuals specific information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.

Individual Access—Upon request, an individual shall be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of his or her personal information and shall be given access to that information under MITT policy. An individual shall be able to challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it amended as appropriate.

Challenging Compliance—An individual shall be able to address a challenge concerning compliance with the above principles to the Institute’s Access and Privacy Officer. At any time, an individual who is not satisfied with the decision, process or actions undertaken by MITT may make a complaint to the Provincial Ombudsman.

Notification of disclosure of personal information to Statistics Canada—Statistics Canada is the national statistical agency. As such, Statistics Canada carries out hundreds of surveys each year on a wide range of matters, including education. It is essential to be able to follow students across time and institutions to understand, for example, the factors affecting enrolment demand at post-secondary institutions. The increased emphasis on accountability for public investment means that it is also important to understand ‘outcomes’. In order to conduct such studies, Statistics Canada asks all colleges and universities to provide data on students and graduates. Institutions collect and provide to Statistics Canada student identification information (student’s name, student ID number, Social Insurance Number), student contact information (address and telephone number), student demographic characteristics, and enrolment information. The federal Statistics Act provides the legal authority for Statistics Canada to obtain access to personal information held by educational institutions. The information may be used for statistical purposes only, and the confidentiality provisions of the Statistics Act prevent the information from being released in any way that would identify a student.

Students may contact Statistics Canada via e-mail if they have any questions: statcan.PSIS-SIEP.statcan@canada.ca.

Download the full MITT Privacy Policy [PDF] and Digital Privacy Statement [PDF].

Please submit Access to Information requests to privacy@mitt.ca. 

Media

All media inquiries can be directed to:

Alyson Pile
Executive Director, External Relations
E: media@mitt.ca
T: 204-471-2014