City of Edmonton Employee Survey in Compliance with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

January 26, 2007

The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has determined that an employee survey conducted by the City of Edmonton was in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP).

The Commissioner initiated the investigation after learning about the survey shortly after it was sent to employees. The information collected included education level, languages spoken, identity based on appearance and sexual orientation. The survey was voluntary and no information that could identify an employee was retained by the City.

The investigation looked at the collection of personal information and its protection during and after the survey. The investigator determined the City of Edmonton had complied with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Three recommendations were made including communicating with employees that the issue has been reviewed by the Commissioner’s office and increased communication with employees in the future about the intent of the survey.