Page last revised: May 29, 2012

WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP

Data sharing agreements

All usage of the data will be regulated by data sharing agreements (these include Information Sharing Agreements, Data Directives or other data sharing agreements) between Population Data BC and the Data Provider. The data sharing agreement provides the essential governance foundation for data access for approved research in the public interest, in compliance with The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and other pertinent legislation.

Entering into data sharing agreement  with Population Data BC

A data sharing agreement sets out the parameters of the information sharing arrangements, such as how organisations may collect, use, disclose and secure personal information.

A data sharing agreement can be for multiple projects or just for a specific project (data can become part of Population Data BC's data holdings or only available for a specific project and be time-limited).

Expectations and responsibilities of Data Providers

The role of the Data Provider in relation to Population Data BC will be to:

  • Maintain stewardship and control of the data
  • Provide data to Population Data BC as outlined in the relevant data sharing agreement
  • Commit to timely review of Data Access Requests
  • Communicate and discuss the development of policies, guidelines, or processes for access to data, through the Research Data Access Committee (RDAC)
  • Work with Population Data BC to ensure that their policies, processes and practices support the needs of the Data Provider

Research Data Access Committee 

Each public body which provides Population Data BC with data for linkage has a representative on the Research Data Access Committee (RDAC).

The objectives of the RDAC are to:

  • Advise and support Population Data BC
  • Develop common / standard policies and processes that relate to data access and represent the interests of the Data Provider community
  • Implement a policy and process framework for access to data that meets the privacy and security expectations of Data Providers and appropriate legislation.

While other groups related to Population Data BC may have input on data access policies and procedures, only the RDAC has final decision making authority over them. 

The RDAC provides a valuable forum for Data Providers to work together to address issues germane to their own functions, including information sharing and monitoring.