This investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint concerning the Ministry of Housing (the Ministry).
The complainant, an employee of the Ministry, was advised in a meeting with the director of the branch (the Director) and the manager of the section where she was employed, that she was being suspended for 20 days pending an investigation. According to the complainant, once she had left the office, the Director called a branch meeting, with the manager, and disclosed to the branch staff that she had been suspended.
The complainant was concerned that this disclosure of her personal information was not in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).
Issues Arising from the Investigation
The following issues were identified as arising from the investigation:
(A) Was the information in question "personal information", as defined in section 2(1) of the Act? If yes,
(B) Was the disclosure of the complainant's personal information to her co-workers in compliance with section 42 of the Act?