Skip to Main content

17.54°^C Vancouver

News Entertainment Sports Videos Shows Podcast Contact Us

Sep 22, 2023 6:00 PM - The Canadian Press

Canada Post reviewing use of address data following criticism from privacy watchdog

Share On

canada-post-reviewing-use-of-address-data-following-criticism-from-privacy-watchdog

Privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne said in a report released this week that information collected for the post office's Smartmail Marketing Program includes data about where individuals live and what type of online shopping they do, based on who sends them packages.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Canada Post says it is reviewing how it uses data for tailored marketing campaigns after the federal privacy watchdog found the post office was breaking the law by gleaning information from the outsides of envelopes and packages.

Privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne said in a report released this week that information collected for the post office's Smartmail Marketing Program includes data about where individuals live and what type of online shopping they do, based on who sends them packages.

The information is then used to help build marketing lists that Canada Post rents to businesses.

The commissioner found Canada Post had not obtained authorization from individuals to indirectly collect such personal information, a violation of Section 5 of the Privacy Act.

In a statement today, Canada Post says it is committed to the privacy law and the protections it places on personal information, and will therefore review its data services program.

The post office says it understands the public might have concerns and that it will live up to the standards that Canadians expect.

Latest news

AlbertaOct 05, 2026

Amber Alert Issued for 7-Year-Old Girl Abducted in Alberta

An Amber Alert has been issued in Valleyview, Alberta, for a 7-year-old girl who police say was abducted by her stepfather. According to Alberta Emergency Alert, Aspen Wilson, 7, was abducted from her home in Valleyview, a community in northeastern Alberta located about 350 kilometres from Edmonton. Aspen is approximately 4 feet tall, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Police are searching for 28-year-old Alexander Stone, who is described as approximately 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 185 pounds, with brown hair. He is believed to be travelling in a Chevrolet Venture van with Alberta licence pla

taxpayers-federation-b-c-conservatives-warn-ebys-proposed-tax-could-drive-doctors-out-of-province

Taxpayers Federation, B.C. Conservatives Warn Eby’s Proposed Tax Could Drive Doctors Out of Province

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has strongly opposed a proposed new tax from B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, warning that it could drive job creators, doctors and other professionals out of the province. B.C. Conservative Party Leader Lorne Doerkson also warned Eby about the proposed tax, saying it could push doctors out of British Columbia at a time when about 323,000 people in the province are still without a family doctor. Doerkson said doctors are already being recruited by Alberta and the United States with better opportunities, and adding another tax would give them another reason to leave

47 South Asian Candidates Contest B.C. Election, More Than Half Running in Surrey

In British Columbia’s 2026 provincial election, 47 candidates of South Asian and Punjabi origin are contesting from 27 different ridings. One of the most notable aspects of this election is that more than half of these candidates are running in the Surrey area. Of the 47 candidates, 28 are representing B.C.’s two major political parties. The B.C. NDP has fielded 16 candidates, while the B.C. Conservatives have 12 candidates. The remaining candidates are running under the Centre BC, B.C. Greens, OneBC and as independents. Meanwhile, Surrey North and Surrey-Newton are the two ridings where o

WorldOct 05, 2026

Military Aircraft Carrying 32 People Crashes in Nigeria

A military aircraft carrying 32 people, including 25 passengers and seven crew members, crashed in southwestern Nigeria on Monday. Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the aircraft crashed near a naval base in Igbokoda, Ondo State. Air traffic controllers had reported losing contact with military aircraft NGR 931, which departed Benin for Lagos at 9:13 a.m. local time. The crash was confirmed after repeated attempts to establish radio contact failed. Wreckage has since been located, while search and rescue operations are underway. Authorities have not immediately confirmed any fatalities. The

canada-india-begin-fifth-round-of-trade-talks-in-ottawa

CanadaOct 05, 2026

Canada-India Begin Fifth Round of Trade Talks in Ottawa

Canada and India have begun the fifth round of trade negotiations in Ottawa, with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirming that the talks got underway today. Sidhu highlighted the strength of India’s economy, saying it is growing at an annual rate of 7%. He also noted that India’s energy needs are expected to increase by up to 70% by 2035, adding that Canada could play an important role in meeting that demand. The chief negotiators from both countries are working to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The latest round of talks in Ottawa will continue unti

Related News

Canada-India Begin Fifth Round of Trade Talks in Ottawa

Canada-India Begin Fifth Round of Trade Talks in Ottawa

Canada and India have begun the fifth round of trade negotiations in Ottawa, with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirming that the talks got underway today. Sidhu highlighted the strength of India’s economy, saying it is growing at an annual rate of 7%. He also noted that India’s energy needs are expected to increase by up to 70% by 2035, adding that Canada could play an important role in meeting that demand. The chief negotiators from both countries are working to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The latest round of talks in Ottawa will continue unti

Former Air Canada Employee Parampal Sidhu’s Trial Begins in Canada’s $20M Gold Heist Case

Former Air Canada Employee Parampal Sidhu’s Trial Begins in Canada’s $20M Gold Heist Case

The trial of former Air Canada employee Parampal Sidhu has begun at a Brampton court in the high-profile case involving the largest gold heist in Canadian history. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks. Sidhu faces charges of theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an offence in connection with the case. The trial comes after prosecutors last month withdrew charges against two alleged suspects, Amit Jalota and jeweller Ali Raza, who was accused of purchasing some of the stolen gold. The gold heist took place on April 17, 2023, when nearly 400 kilograms of gold worth more than $20

Quebec Votes Today, Pro-Independence PQ Leads in Polls

Quebec Votes Today, Pro-Independence PQ Leads in Polls

Quebec is voting today in a provincial election across 127 ridings, with the pro-independence Parti Québécois (PQ) and its leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon leading in recent polls. The PQ has promised to hold a referendum on Quebec’s independence if it forms government. However, Plamondon has made it clear that the referendum would not take place before 2029, while Donald Trump remains in the White House. The PQ is competing against the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ), which has been in power for two consecutive terms. CAQ leader Christine Fréchette has campaigned on what she describes as a

Legals

Journalism code of ethics

© 2021 AKASH Broadcasting Inc.

MANAGED BY STRATWIT

useful links

Accessibility Plan

Broadcasting Notice of Consultation

BC Children's Hospital