The commanding officer of the Alberta RCMP said the force is heading an investigation into alleged improper access and use of Alberta’s electors list and is asking the public to rely on official police statements as public scrutiny of the case continues to grow.
In a statement issued Thursday, Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux said the RCMP can deploy investigative resources at the local, provincial, national or international level as needed. He added the alleged release of Albertans’ personal data is “deeply concerning” to both the public and the RCMP.
Daroux acknowledged significant public interest in the investigation but said the force’s primary focus is preserving the integrity of the investigation.
Daroux said, “As a result, the RCMP are restricted in the level of detail that can be disclosed publicly, including confirming comments made by third parties.”
On April 30, RCMP officials confirmed they received a complaint submitted by a person linked to the Alberta NDP flagging concerns about possible improper handling of the provincial voter list held by Elections Alberta.
At the time, the RCMP said it had initiated an investigation “and is working with other law enforcement partners in the province to determine whether any offences have occurred in relation to how the information contained in the voter list was shared or handled.”
Privacy commissioner investigation
Alberta’s information and privacy commissioner has also launched an investigation into allegations that the Centurion Project Ltd. allegedly obtained and used personal information sourced from Alberta’s List of Electors in possible violation of the Personal Information Protection Act.
According to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Elections Alberta notified the commissioner April 30 of the alleged breach involving personal information belonging to millions of Albertans, including names, addresses, postal codes, phone numbers and unique elector identification numbers.
Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod said the investigation was launched under the commissioner’s authority to ensure compliance with the legislation and that the Centurion Project was notified of the investigation May 6.
The commissioner’s office said the investigation will examine whether the organization had the authority to collect, use or disclose personal information under the act and whether it made reasonable security arrangements to protect the information.
Investigators will also examine whether the organization was required to notify affected individuals of a breach and whether it met that obligation.
According to the notice, “At the conclusion of this formal investigation, the OIPC may make findings and recommendations or issue an order to remedy any non-compliance. The Commissioner may also issue a public investigation report.”
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has also posted a frequently asked questions document online following the alleged breach and publication of Elections Alberta’s List of Electors.
The commissioner’s office said it has fielded more than 180 calls and emails in the past week and is urging Albertans to review the FAQ document before contacting the office.
Smith’s response
During a press conference in Ottawa on Friday, May 8 Premier Danielle Smith sayid Elections Alberta and the RCMP should be allowed to complete their investigations into the alleged breach of Alberta’s electors list without political interference.
Smith said what she thinks is important to understand is Elections Alberta provides voter lists to registered political parties and has identified the Republican Party of Alberta as the source of the leaked list. She said Elections Alberta has also taken steps to ensure the 568 people who accessed the information “cease and desist.”
Smith said Elections Alberta has the authority under the Public Inquiries Act to compel testimony as investigators work to determine what occurred and whether penalties are warranted.
“We believe they need to be allowed to do their work,” she said. “This is the reason we have independent commissioners empowered in this way, so that when they find evidence of wrongdoing they can investigate, solve the breach and implement any penalties if they deem necessary.”
Smith said politicians should avoid interfering in either the Elections Alberta or RCMP investigations.
“We do not as politicians want to interfere in that process,” she said. “If we interfere in that process it could prevent the people who are responsible from being held accountable and we want them held accountable.”
She added the government may later review whether legislative changes are needed to ensure investigators have sufficient authority and resources, but said such discussions should not occur while investigations are ongoing.
Government supports and opposition reaction
Alberta’s minister of children and family services also addressed the situation online, saying many Albertans have been affected by a recent data breach and are rightfully concerned about their safety and privacy, particularly those experiencing family or sexual violence.
In a social media post, Searle Turton said the government is committed to ensuring people experiencing violence have a safe place to turn and access supports when and where they need them. The post said support services are available to anyone who feels at risk or requires help.
Albertans are being encouraged to call 211 at any time to connect with supports. The Family Violence Information Line is available 24-7 by calling or texting 310-1818, while the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence can be reached at 1-866-403-8000 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Support is also available for men and boys at 1-833-327-MENS (6367), and people are urged to call 911 in an emergency.
Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi said the data breach is extremely serious and has significant implications for Albertans’ privacy and personal information.
He said the Opposition is calling for an emergency meeting and for the Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Alberta to testify before MLAs.
Nenshi said key questions include when Elections Alberta became aware of the breach and why action appears to have been taken so late.
He also called on the UCP government to reverse parts of Bill 54 that weakened Elections Alberta’s investigative powers, provide a public update on the breach and outline response measures and guidance for Albertans concerned about possible misuse of personal information.
“Albertans deserve to feel confident that their personal information is protected, that our democratic institutions are acting swiftly and transparently, and that our elections are secure,” he said.
Police said public debate about the investigation has escalated in recent days and urged Albertans to depend on verified updates from official sources.
