NDP wraps privacy breach investigation, voter list accessed

The Saskatchewan NDP has concluded its privacy breach investigation into one of its own members.

Rylee Schumacher admitted to using the voter list to look up the police officer investigating her rape allegation.

In a written statement the NDP confirmed the investigation had wrapped up saying it takes the protection of personal privacy “incredibly seriously.”

“We have strengthened the privacy and confidentiality policies of the organization to more clearly communicate responsibility and strengthen accountability procedures surrounding privacy and confidentiality. We are implementing a more rigorous training process for all of our staff and volunteers to ensure that they fully understand their obligations,” wrote John Tzupa, NDP provincial secretary and CEO.

Tzupa added there have been actions taken against Schumacher as well, who said at the time she was unaware that looking up the name was a breach of any rule.

“The individual who accessed the data accepts that the information should not have been accessed. As a result of this process, the NDP has taken steps to resolve this situation and to prevent any instances like this from occurring in the future,” Tzupa said.

“The Saskatchewan NDP and the individual who was the subject of this complaint have agreed to a suspension of the individual’s access to voter data for a period of four years, subject to reinstatement of monitored access after one year if the individual completes privacy and information training.”

The NDP ended by apologizing to the individual who made the initial complaint and “commits its full efforts to preventing this from happening again in the future.”