Anyone who believes that their personal information under the custody and control of the City of Ottawa has been improperly collected, used, disclosed, or disposed of may file a privacy complaint.
Before you begin
The City of Ottawa is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information in its custody and control.
All complaints are handled confidentially by the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office. The information presented relating to a complaint will not be shared with other City of Ottawa employees without consent.
Questions or to seek clarification can be sent by email to privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) or by phone at 613-580-2424 ext. 21898.
At the City of Ottawa, every attempt is made to resolve a privacy complaint informally through a resolution that is mutually satisfactory to both the complainant and to the City. Sometimes a simple explanation may help to alleviate the concerns an individual may have.
Note:
- There is no cost to file a complaint.
- Anonymous complaints will not be accepted.
- All complaints will be always treated as confidential unless consent has been provided.
- If a privacy complaint form is submitted after hours, on the weekend or a statutory holiday, it will be reviewed the next business day.
What you need
Individuals are encouraged to contact the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Office to review their complaint before filing a privacy complaint form. The Office can be reached by email at privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application) or by phone at 613-580-2424 ext. 21898.
To file a formal complaint with the ATIP Office, the complainant will complete the privacy complaint form. If the complainant is represented by a lawyer or another individual, an authorization form is also required.
A detailed description of the complaint and how the complainant would like to see the matter resolved is requested as part of the form.
Request
Online privacy complaint form
The preferred option to make a privacy complaint is by completing the online privacy complaint form(link is external).
Accommodation or support requests made by made by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 21898, TTY 613-580-2401 or email privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).
Other delivery options include:
By email
The privacy complaint form can be sent by email to privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application). The email must include a copy of the completed form, the authorization form and supporting documents, if applicable.
In-person
Although it is not required, an appointment can be made with the ATIP Office to drop off the form.
Email: privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application)
Phone: 613-580-2424, ext. 21898
By mail
The completed form can be sent by mail to:
Access to Information and Privacy Office
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 1J1
What's next
Upon receipt of a complaint form, a Privacy Analyst will contact the complainant or representative to initiate an investigation.
A complainant can check on the status of their complaint by calling 613-580-2424 ext. 21898 or by email at privacy-vieprivee@ottawa.ca(link opens email application).
A complainant has the right to contact the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario(link is external) if they would like to file a formal complaint(link is external) with their office.