B.C. political parties collect too much personal information, report says
VICTORIA — British Columbia’s main political parties must do a better job telling people about the information they’re collecting about them, says the provincial information and privacy commissioner.
Michael McEvoy said Wednesday he’s giving B.C.’s New Democrat, Liberal and Green parties six months to become more transparent with people before deciding if a detailed audit of party systems, databases or practices is required.
“Political parties need to be very clear with voters,” McEvoy said in an interview. “If they are going to record information they need to ask you first. In most instances (in B.C.), they don’t ask. That’s not proper under our legislation.”
The province’s Personal Information Protection Act requires political parties to obtain consent from individuals to collect, use, or disclose information about them, said McEvoy. He said no other province or the federal government requires political parties to adhere to privacy laws similar to those in B.C.