Federal privacy legislation regulates when, and to what extent, employers can collect, use and disclose information on an applicant, including when conducting internet searches. Federal legislation is the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta each have their own legislation, the Personal Information Protection Act. Each is built upon the principle of consent. It is advisable to verify reference contact details and it is not required to seek an applicant’s permission to verify basic details about any references listed. Likewise, employers should consider taking the necessary steps to verify claims of professional licensing through the use of publicly searchable databases of their licenses.
