Apr 7, 2021

Manitoba Ombudsman has released a summary report on a review of the privacy implications of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries’ Controlled Entrance Initiative at Liquor Mart stores. In November 2019 Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) implemented the initiative to improve safety and security in response to thefts.

We conducted our review to assess and comment on privacy implications and on whether MBLL’s collection, use, disclosure and security of customers’ personal information complied with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA).

Our summary report highlights the importance of completing a privacy impact assessment, as MBLL did, when implementing initiatives that affect individual privacy. As more organizations use technology to innovate and deliver services, a privacy impact assessment can assist a public body to anticipate and prevent risks to personal information in the planning phase. Conducting a privacy impact assessment can demonstrate to citizens that their personal information is being appropriately managed and safeguarded.

When MBLL began using controlled entrances, we received questions from the public about MBLL’s authority to collect their personal information and about how they were handling it after collection. To help answer these questions, this report also highlights:

• How MBLL handles the personal information it collects at controlled entrances in relation to the requirements of FIPPA.
• The safeguards MBLL has in place to protect the privacy of customers’ personal information.
• Our comments about MBLL’s Controlled Entrance Initiative’s compliance with FIPPA.

The MBLL summary report is available at:

https://www.ombudsman.mb.ca/uploads/document/files/case-2019-0561-en.pdf