Overview

The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) collects personal information under the laws governing its programs and services.

We can collect personal information if:

  • it is expressly authorized by law to do so, or
  • collecting the information is necessary to provide a person with a program or service

We collect personal information directly from a person, unless another manner of collection is authorized by law. For example, under section 283 (1) of the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, we are authorized to indirectly collect personal information from service providers to administer programs under the act such as Child Welfare programs.

If we need to collect your personal information, we will provide you with a notice.

Personal information

Personal information is defined as recorded information about an identifiable individual. The information can be recorded in any format such as paper or electronic records, digital photographs or videos.

Examples of personal information can be found in section 2(1) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, Ch. F. 31.

Information will likely qualify as personal information if an individual can reasonably be identified from either the information alone or from the information in combination with other information.

How we use personal information

We may only use personal information for the purpose it has been collected, or if the individual might have expected such a use. Sometimes another use is specifically authorized by law, for example, with the consent of the individual that the information is related to.

Examples of how we use personal information include:

  • verifying the identity of individuals who apply for programs or services
  • determining eligibility for benefits, supports and programs
  • confirming the amount of funding an individual or family will receive
  • issuing funding to an individual or family as applicable
  • planning how many people may need ministry supports and services
  • evaluating programs to improve the quality of the benefits, supports and services provided

Learn more about privacy practices on Ontario government websites.

Disclosure of personal information

We may only disclose personal information where we have legal authority to do so. This includes for law enforcement purposes in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act or by order of a court or tribunal, or where the disclosure is needed for the same reason we collected the information, such as providing you with a program or service.

Accessing and correcting your personal information

You have the right to request:

  • access to your personal information held by the ministry
  • correction of your personal information if you believe it is incorrect

If you need to access or correct your personal information, you can contact the Access & Privacy Office in writing.

Notices of collection

When the ministry collects personal information in connection with providing a program or service, we will provide a notice which, at a minimum:

  • describes the personal information being collected
  • explains the purposes for which the information will be used
  • details the legal authority for the collection
  • lists the contact information of a person who can answer questions about the collection of the personal information

There are different types of notices of collection. Some notices apply to multiple programs or services while others are designed for a specific program or service. Some notices are also required to be posted online, including the following notices:

Contact information

Access and Privacy Office

If you have questions about the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS) in general, or on how to file a privacy complaint or concern regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by MCCSS, you can contact the Access and Privacy Office at:

Access to information requests or requests for correction of personal information can be made through the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI Request) to MCCSS or made in writing and directed to the Access and Privacy Office.

Access and Privacy Office        
Business Planning and Corporate Services Division        
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services        
PO Box 978        
Toronto, Ontario        
M7A 1N3

Information and Privacy Commissioner

The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) provides oversight of Ontario’s access and privacy laws. These laws establish the rules for how the following Ontario institutions may collect, use and disclose your personal information:

  • public institutions
  • health care providers
  • children’s aid societies
  • other child and family service providers

The IPC also assists you with resolving privacy complaints and has broader powers to investigate and research privacy issues.

If you have questions or concerns about the privacy of your personal information, you can contact:

Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario   
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400 
Toronto, Ontario 
M4W 1A8