The Canadian Government is going to rethink its approach to contractual data protections to account for the US Government’s approach to data access under the US Patriot Act. Money quotes:
The federal Treasury Board leads a working group that is now busy
finalizing special clauses to be used in future business proposal
requests and contracts.
The group is consulting with Stoddart’s office on clauses “that
we believe to be fundamental†to include in future request proposals
and contracts, says a federal notice recently circulated to
departments.
Treasury Board spokesman Robert Makichuk said the changes would
“further enhance and clarify existing protection†for such things as
establishing custody and control of data, ensuring confidentiality of
information and setting conditions related to use and disclosure.Trade experts at Foreign Affairs, International Trade and
Justice must review the wording before the clauses receive final
approval.Makichuk said the overall goal is to try to ward off any
concerns about how sensitive Canadian information will be used when
contracts are contemplated.
“We’re starting at the planning stages now, as opposed to
looking at it at the back end,†he said. “Call it a culture shift if
you wish, or just more awareness.â€The clauses are expected to be ready for use by federal agencies some time in February.
David Fraser’s post on this is here.