June 5, 2008

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada recently issued a letter to producers advising that their personal information has been stolen.

The data was on the information-technology equipment which was stolen from a third party delivery agent on March 30th, 2008.  Winnipeg Police are investigating to recover the stolen property. 

The stolen IT equipment contained information collected from participants of the following programs: the Spring Credit Advance Program (SCAP), the Enhanced Spring Credit Advance Program (ESCAP), and the Advance Payments Program (APP). 

Producer information stored on the equipment includes: name, permit book number, date of birth, address, member status, phone numbers, e-mail address, bank account number, APP identification number, and social insurance number. 

Due to the security mechanisms in place on the stolen equipment, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada feel the probability of the information being accessed or misused is minimal. 

Questions about this incident can be directed to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at 888-346-2511.  Concerns about the way personal information was handled can be directed to the Federal Privacy Commissioner at 613-995-8210 or 800-282-1376.

Contact your credit union for information regarding protecting yourself if you believe your personal information has been stolen.