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29/01/2009

Canadian Human Rights Commission Did Not Hack Into A Private Citizen’s Internet Account: Privacy Commission

(Ottawa, January 29, 2009) – The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada has confirmed that the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC) did not use a third party’s Internet connection to investigate a complaint related to hate messaging.

“We are pleased with the Privacy Commission of Canada’s findings exonerating the CHRC of any wrongdoing in this case,” said CHRC Chief Commissioner Jennifer Lynch, Q.C. “The employees at the CHRC abide by the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in all aspects of their work.”

The Commission will carry on its work in all areas of discrimination, including hate on the Internet, pursuant to the responsibilities conferred on it by the Canadian Human Rights Act. “There remains a need to protect Canadians from hate messages in the Internet age. Our investigators will continue to work as required by the Commission’s mandate and the law to prevent people from spreading hatred in our society,” explained Ms. Lynch.

The Privacy Commissioner of Canada investigation was launched following an allegation made by the respondent of a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal proceeding held in March 2008. In November 2008, an RCMP investigation into the same matter was also closed.

The Privacy Commissioner’s findings are available at: http://www.privcom.gc.ca

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