Introduction
The National Routing System project is a pilot initiative being undertaken to demonstrate the feasibility of setting up a federal-provincial-territorial network that will allow vital event data to be delivered from the "producing" organizations to the authorized "subscribing" organizations. The pilot project must also demonstrate that the information can be delivered in a manner which follows established security protocols designed to protect the privacy of individuals.
Objectives
The rationale for completing a Preliminary Privacy Impact Assessment (PPIA) on the National Routing System Project was to determine if any privacy risks may be associated with the NRS pilot initiative and, if so, to determine possible options for resolving those risks.
Description
The NRS is envisioned as a secure communications network that will ultimately link together provinces and territories (P/Ts), federal departments and agencies for the purpose of providing both real-time and batch exchange of vital event information. This information flow is essential to authenticate identity, to determine program eligibility and entitlement for benefits, and to update vital records databases. It will also enable improvements in data quality, timeliness and cost effectiveness for statistical programs based on vital events.
Conclusion
This Preliminary PIA Report did not identify any privacy risks that would warrant a PIA for the NRS pilot initiative. However, a review should be undertaken of the recommendations made in the Acceptance Pilot Evaluation (March 2006). If NRS design changes are contemplated, an analysis should be undertaken to determine whether or not a PIA is required.