I95-102P

This investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint concerning the Ministry of Community and Social Services (the Ministry).

Since October 1995, Ministry income maintenance workers had used a "Residing With A Spouse" questionnaire (the questionnaire) to determine welfare and family benefits eligibility under amendments to the Regulations of the General Welfare Assistance Act (the GWA) and the Family Benefits Act (the FBA). These amendments had eliminated the "grace" period of three years where there was a co-resident of the opposite sex, and changed the factors to be considered in determining whether there was such a "spouse".

The complainant, a Member of Provincial Parliament acting on behalf of members of an interest group expressed concerns about the collection of social assistance recipients' personal information in the questionnaire. The complainant asked for a finding on whether the Ministry's collection of the personal information in the questionnaire was in compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).

• FIPPA
• 2(1) personal information (a)
• 2(1) personal information (b)
• 2(1) personal information (h)
• 38(2)
• 39(1)

• Family Benefits Act
• family information
• General Welfare Assistance Act
• necessary and proper