Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Questionnaire Privacy Notice Statement
Authority
The information you provide in the self-identification questionnaire below is collected under the authority of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Act, depending on the program. The collection, use, retention, disclosure, and disposal of your personal information are in accordance with the Privacy Act.
Purpose and Uses
Self-identification provides information on the level of diversity of the population applying for funding and participating in peer review of grant applications. The aim of this self-identification data collection is to increase equitable and inclusive access to funding opportunities, as outlined in the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan.
The personal information you provide in this questionnaire will only be used or disclosed for the following purposes:
- Future program design and delivery, results measurement and reporting purposes. Self-identification information will be reported in a form (e.g., aggregate) that ensures protection of the identity of any individual;
- Recruitment of individuals for review processes; and
- In certain circumstances, determining your eligibility for funding opportunities targeting specific groups.
Canada Research Chairs Program specific uses:
The Canada Research Chairs Program also uses the data it collects to help postsecondary institutions meet equity targets. Aggregated self-identification data is shared with host institutions to monitor efforts in meeting their equity targets for the Canada Research Chairs Program. The program never shares self-identification data specific to an individual. It is possible that some institutions may be able to identify some individuals' personal information when the aggregated data shared is for fewer than five chairholders. The program shares data with only one key administrative contact per institution, identified by the institution as having the authority to receive the data, under very strict confidentiality requirements. No data on sexual orientation nor the subcategories of visible minority group and persons with disabilities is shared with institutions.
Questionnaire Requirement and Provision of Personal Information
The completion of the self-identification questionnaire is mandatory for both applicants and merit reviewers, however you will always have the option to select “I prefer not to answer” to one or more of the questions. Self-identification information is provided on a voluntary basis and can be changed at any time before you submit your application or by accessing your profile during the funding period. Selecting “I prefer not to answer” to one or more of the questions will have no consequences for your application or participation on review committees or panels, if applicable, however, you will not be considered for any corrective or targeted measures aimed at historically underrepresented groups.
Privacy Practices
Depending on the program, your personal information collected through this form will be stored on SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR corporate systems and databases as indicated in SSHRC InfoSource Chapter – Bank number: SSHRC PPU 055 or SSHRC PPU 016, in NSERC’s InfoSource Chapter – Bank number: NSERC PPU 065 and NSERC PPU 095, and in CIHR InfoSource Chapter – Bank number: CIHR PPU 005 and CIHR PPU 025. The information collected will be retained and disposed of in accordance with SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR’s respective retention and disposition schedule and in alignment with Multi Institutional Disposition Authorization by Library and Archives Canada. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential and will not be used or disclosed for any other purposes without your consent or as may be required by law.
Confirmation and Privacy Rights
By submitting your information, you are confirming that you have read and understood this Privacy Notice Statement and provide your personal information in accordance with it. In addition to protecting your personal information, the Privacy Act gives you the right to request access to and correction of your personal information. For more information about these rights, or about our privacy practices, please contact the relevant agency’s ATIP office:
If you believe your personal information has been mishandled or have concerns about SSHRC, NSERC, or CIHR’s privacy practices, you have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.