Parks Canada aquatic invasive species program
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Description of program/activity
Aquatic invasive species are fish, invertebrate or plant species that have been introduced into a new aquatic environment, outside of their natural range. Once introduced, aquatic invasive species populations can grow quickly because they don't have natural predators in their new environment. As a result, they can outcompete and harm native species. They can even alter habitats to make them inhospitable for the native species. This is especially concerning for species at risk.
This program aims to protect and conserve the natural resources of places managed by Parks Canada for the benefit and enjoyment for visitors. Conservation of natural resources includes monitoring and reporting, ecological restoration, species recovery and environmental assessment for compliance activities. Prevention strategies are being developed and implemented. In the interim the Agency is implementing the restriction of the use of watercraft and related gear through the implementation of Restricted Activity Orders (RAO) to the holders of valid AIS Prevention Permits.
Data collected from the AIS prevention permits is being used to determine which prevention measures will be most feasible in their respective parks. This information will be used in the program development.
Overview and PIA Initiation
A Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for this program is required because personal information is being collected and used as part of the decision-making process. The PIA will identify and evaluate potential risks to the privacy of these data. Each field unit is responsible for the collection of information pertaining to the AIS Prevention Permits. To obtain a permit, visitors are asked to provide limited personal information regarding the movement of watercraft and gear into park waters including location of last and next uses of their watercraft and gear. This PIA will describe the data being collected for the purposes of AIS prevention and identify any potential privacy risks to the confidentiality of individuals’ personal information.
Summary of Analysis and Recommendations
Overall, Parks Canada is in compliance with the Privacy Act and the Treasury Board of Canada Policy on Privacy Protection. Personal information is collected directly from the individual to whom the information relates, and access to the data is limited to AIS staff in the field unit. Additionally, only aggregated data is used for reporting statistics, and trend analysis. There is the potential for inconvenience to the individual in the event of a privacy breach or incident, but the impact on the individual and the Agency is assessed as low.
More information
The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) has identified low risks, and Parks Canada will continue to update and develop new policies, procedures and protocols on an ongoing basis and as required.
In order to have access to the full PIA, please submit a formal request at the following link: Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) request online (apps.gc.ca).
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