The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is committed to protecting your privacy. We handle your personal information in accordance with Alberta’s Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) and its regulations.
What we collect and why
We only collect personal information when it is necessary for an AER program or activity, when expressly authorized by law, or for law enforcement purposes. Typical examples include your contact details when you ask a question, apply for a job, or subscribe to updates.
When we collect information directly from you, we will tell you at that time
- the purpose for the collection,
- our legal authority (e.g., POPA s.4(c) for program operations),
- who to contact with questions, and
- whether we intend to input your information into an automated system to generate content or make decisions.
How we use and share information
We use personal information only for the purpose for which it was collected or for a use consistent with that purpose, unless another use/disclosure is authorized by law or is required by the Alberta Access to Information Act in response to a request, or unless you consent. We do not sell personal information. We may share information with another public body when permitted by POPA (for example, to respond to your inquiry or as required by law).
Your choices and rights
You may request access to, or correction of, your personal information held by the AER. Instructions and forms are available on our site or from our Privacy Office (see “Contact us” below).
Email and web forms
If you email us or use a web form, we will use the information you provide to respond to you and deliver the service you requested. Email sent over the internet may not be secure in transit. If you prefer, you can contact us by phone or mail. (We make reasonable efforts to secure information once it reaches our systems—see “Security” below.)
Cookies and analytics
Our website uses first party cookies and Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our site (e.g., pages visited, time on page, browser type). We do not use analytics cookies to identify you personally. You can opt out of Google Analytics by using Google’s opt out add on. For details on how Google handles data in Analytics, visit Google’s privacy resources:
- Google opt out tool: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
- Google Analytics privacy information: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=en
Information collected automatically
When you visit our site, our servers may automatically log limited technical information (e.g., IP address, browser type, date/time) necessary to operate, secure, and improve the website. This technical data is generally not used to identify you, and we handle it in accordance with POPA.
Security
The AER uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards that are reasonable and appropriate for the sensitivity of the information we hold. We monitor our network to detect and prevent unauthorized activity.
Privacy breaches
If a privacy breach creates a real risk of significant harm, the AER will notify affected individuals and report the breach to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta (OIPC) and the minister, as required by POPA.
Employment applications
If you apply for a job with the AER, we collect the information we need to assess your application and to contact you. Access is limited to AER personnel involved in recruitment and is used only for that purpose, unless otherwise authorized by law.
Contact us (Privacy Office)
Alberta Energy Regulator – Privacy Office
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0R4
Toll free: 1-855-297-8311
Email: privacy@aer.ca
If you have questions about your privacy rights, you may also contact the OIPC of Alberta.
