Template (customize the bracketed sections)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Date]
[OPC / Provincial Commissioner Address]
Re: Privacy Complaint under [PIPEDA / applicable provincial law]
Dear Commissioner,
I am filing a complaint against [Organization Name], headquartered at [Organization Address].
Summary of complaint:
[One-paragraph summary of what happened, when it happened, and why you believe it breaches privacy law.]
Chronology:
- [Date]: [Event description]
- [Date]: [Event description]
- [Date]: [Event description]
Internal resolution attempted:
[Describe what you did with the organization's privacy officer, including dates and outcomes. Attach copies of correspondence.]
Why I believe this breaches [statute]:
[Identify the principles or provisions you believe have been breached, such as PIPEDA Principle 4 (limiting collection) or section 5(3) (reasonable purposes).]
Outcome sought:
[State what you want: an investigation, corrective action, damages, apology, etc.]
I certify that the information above is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Attached: [List of supporting documents]
Filing tips
Most commissioners prefer online submissions:
- OPC: use the online form at priv.gc.ca.
- IPC Ontario: online at ipc.on.ca.
- OIPC BC: online at oipc.bc.ca.
- CAI Quebec: online at cai.gouv.qc.ca.