I94-052P

This investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint concerning the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade (the Ministry).

The complainant had applied for a loan under the "New Ventures" program which is administered by the Ontario Development Corporation, an agency of the Ministry. Under the program, personal loans are provided, up to a certain maximum, for eligible small businesses. Applicants are required to complete an application form before the Ministry can process the request for a loan. The application form asks the applicant to give his/her Social Insurance Number (SIN).

The complainant objected to the Ministry's collection of her SIN on the application form and complained that the collection was contrary to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the Act).

• FIPPA
• 2(1) personal information (c)
• 38(2)
• 39(2)

• social insurance number