Sask. Jobs now requires SIN, personal info to make account

People wanting to use the Sask. Jobs website might have noticed a few changes lately, including the site asking for more personal information.

The job search website has recently been integrated with the National Job Bank, giving it a fresh look and feel.

While job-seekers do not need to sign up for an account to use the site, they can register to get access to features such as job matching and notices being sent to employers who are hiring.

However, when users go to sign up, they will be asked for personal information, like their mother’s maiden name, birth year and social insurance number (SIN).

Saskatchewan information and privacy commissioner Ron Kruzeniski said he finds it surprising a job website requires this kind of information.

“I’ve become aware that there’s an issue here and I would really hope those that set it up revisit and determine if they really need the information they’re asking for,” he said.

Sask. Jobs told 980 CJME the SINs are not kept on file and National Job Bank staff will not see them. The SINs will only be used to confirm the user is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and ensure they are only registered once within the Job Bank.

When it comes to asking for the public’s information, Kruzeniski said his office usually applies the Data Minimization Principle, which suggests people should collect the least amount of data necessary to do their job.

“If people find that they feel they are collecting too much information, they should raise their concern — either with the website itself or with the information and privacy commissioner in Ottawa,” he said.

Even though it’s the federal government that’s gathering the data, Kruzeniski noted breaches could happen to anyone at anytime and recommends those who created the website ensure all data is properly protected.

— With files from Jessie Anton