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November 15, 2017

Contributions Program launches annual call for innovative research and knowledge translation proposals

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) today issued a call for proposals under its 2018-2019 Contributions Program, which funds independent privacy research and related knowledge translation initiatives.

The Office is inviting research and knowledge translation applications that advance its strategic privacy priorities. As in past years, the Office is interested in funding innovative initiatives that seek to better understand and address issues related to our priorities.

In addition, the OPC is particularly interested in funding research or knowledge translation projects that aim to promote the development and adoption of Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs). These technologies allow online users to protect their private information by letting them decide what data they are willing to share with third parties and under which circumstances.

The OPC also published a report on PETs today, which applicants may wish to consult to obtain a broader understanding of the types of research projects that may qualify for funding under this call for proposals.

All proposals must address issues that fall within the scope of the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which sets ground rules for how organizations may collect, use or disclose information about individuals in the course of commercial activities. Proposals must also touch on at least one of the OPC’s strategic privacy priorities. When developing project proposals, applicants are strongly encouraged to review projects currently underway and completed projects from previous years in order to build on past or ongoing work.

The OPC Contributions Program is structured to fund projects that are initiated and completed within a single fiscal year (April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019), although some exceptions may be made for multiyear projects that can demonstrate why the project requires more time to complete. All proposals will be evaluated on the basis of merit.

This year, the OPC is increasing the maximum amount that can be allocated to a single project to $100,000. The OPC will divide its annual research budget of $500,000 as follows:

1. A maximum of $450,000 is being made available to applicants under the present call;
2. The maximum amount that may be allocated to a single project and any single recipient organization is $100,000;
3. At least $50,000 will be set aside for the 2018 Pathways to Privacy call for proposals. (Note: This call will be issued in the spring/summer of 2018 and does not form part of the current call for proposals.)

All proposals must be submitted by January 16, 2018.

If you are interested in generating new ideas, approaches and knowledge about privacy that will help organizations or individuals make informed decisions about protecting personal information, please visit our website to learn more about the Contributions Program or go to the 2018 Applicant’s Guide to find out more information on project requirements and how to apply.

For program information, contact:

François Cadieux
Manager, Contributions Program
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Tel.: 819-994-6010
Email: contrib@priv.gc.ca