The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) confirms it accidentally disclosed confidential taxpayer information to a reporter.

The CRA acknowledges that the release of personal information constitutes a serious breach of privacy. The document was accidentally released to the CBC through human error.

When the CRA became aware of the breach, CRA officials immediately contacted the CBC to inform them of the error and retrieve the documents. Retrieval efforts continue.

The CBC did not respond to the CRA’s request to retrieve the information. Regrettably, the CBC chose to publicly disclose the names.

The CRA has launched an internal investigation into the privacy breach and its security protocols.

I have contacted the Privacy Commissioner of Canada to notify him of the privacy breach. The CRA will provide the Privacy Commissioner with a preliminary privacy breach report within 24 hours. Those individuals affected will be contacted by registered mail, provided with a dedicated phone number to call to get more information, and advised of their right to complain to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

The CRA shares the concern and dismay of those individuals whose privacy has been impacted and sincerely regrets this error.