Every day, there are news reports of security breaches and identity theft. Apparently, the severity of identity theft problem has not reached the Canadian passport offices. If these government officials who administer the passport offices indeed are aware of the preponderance of identity theft crime, then the security protocol is even more baffling:

“A review by Canada’s federal privacy commissioner has found passport offices failed to adequately protect consumers’ personal information, noting passport applications were stored in clear plastic bags and sensitive documents were thrown in trash cans and recycle bins.

Jennifer Stoddart detailed the security shortcomings in her annual report to Parliament, tabled Thursday. The report also found several tribunal bodies adjudicating disputes posted sensitive personal information — including financial status and health — online.”

link: Sloppiness at passport offices put Canadians’ privacy at risk: report

It is a breach of security. It is a disregard for privacy. And it is irresponsible. This manner of handling confidential, sensitive information is an affront to every Canadian citizen.

Catherine Forsythe