Authorization to Release Personal Information
A general PIPEDA-compliant authorization permitting an organization to disclose your personal information to a named recipient.
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An authorization to release personal information is a written consent form permitting an organization to disclose your personal information — other than health information — to a named third party. In Canada, personal information held by private sector organizations is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and substantially similar provincial legislation, which requires meaningful consent before disclosure.
When you need this document
This authorization is used when you need an organization (an employer, financial institution, school, or government agency) to release your records to a third party such as a lawyer, lender, immigration officer, or prospective employer. It is also used in legal proceedings where parties need access to information held by organizations not party to the dispute.
Scope and limitations
The authorization should be specific about what information may be released, to whom, for what purpose, and for how long. A broad or open-ended authorization may not be accepted by the releasing organization, and organizations have an obligation under PIPEDA to release only what is necessary for the stated purpose.