Electronic Frontier Canada is concerned that Hydro-Québec is sending out the following notice to customers with their most recent electricity bills. It tells customers "not to worry" when they are asked to provide their Social Insurance Number.

We think there is no legal reason that customers should feel compelled to disclose this personal information. We think customers should be able to refuse this request, without suffering any denial of service. Especially in Québec, the only province with specific privacy legislation relating to non-governmental organizations.

If you are denied service by Hydro-Quebec because you chose not to reveal your SIN, please contact EFC by email.

Hydro-Québec . . . Facture

Le X janvier 1997

La prochaine fois que vous nous appellerez, et on vous demande votre numéro d'assurance sociale, ne vous inquiétez pas; c'est pour valider votre identité et vous garantir une fois pour toutee que votre dossier vous appartient en exclusivité.

Bill 68

(1993, chapter 17)

An Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector
(Enacted: June 15, 1993)

9. No person may refuse to respond to a request for goods or services
or to a request relating to employment
by reason of the applicant's refusal to disclose personal information
except where

(1)
collection of that information is necessary for the conclusion or performance of a contract;
(2)
collection of that information is authorized by law; or
(3)
there are reasonable grounds to believe that the request is not lawful.

In case of doubt, personal information is considered to be non-necessary.

Hydro-Québec has right to know customer's SIN
Montreal Gazette, 19dec96, (Bernard Perusse)