MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE – Monday, May 13, 2002

Special guest speaker will explain impact of “privacy” on businesses.

Tom Mitchinson, Assistant Commissioner of the Ontario Information and Privacy Commission (IPC) will be making a presentation to members of the Windsor & District Chamber of Commerce on Friday, May 17, 2002 as part of their Before Business Breakfast program.

Mr. Mitchinson will outline how concern about informational privacy in the marketplace has risen in tandem with the rapid development of new technology.  Consumers not only want goods and services, but also increasingly want assurances that the personal information they provide to a business will be kept confidential, unless they consent otherwise.

“The fact is that good privacy is good business,” said Mitchinson.  “Organizations that embrace information privacy are demonstrating to their clients and, perhaps more importantly, to potential clients, that they are listening to what the public is saying – and what people are saying is they want more privacy.”

Mr. Mitchinson will explain how businesses can obtain a copy of a new, free self-assessment guide – the Privacy Diagnostic Tool – which the IPC has created with the assistance of Guardent and PricewaterhouseCoopers.  This diagnostic tool, based on a question and answer format, is designed to help businesses take an initial look at just how privacy protective they are.

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets simply call the Chamber office (519) 966-3696. 

                        DATE:                     Friday, May 17, 2002

                        LOCATION:             Koolini’s Italian Eatery

                                                       1520 Tecumseh Road East

                        TIME:                       7:30 a.m. registration/breakfast

                                                        8:00 a.m. seminar - 9:00 a.m. Conclusion

                        COST:                      $20 Member (Prices include the G.S.T.)