Data Access Requests
BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is committed to respecting personal privacy, safeguarding confidential information, and ensuring the security of personal information in our custody or under our control. We meet these commitments through our Privacy Program, which includes a Privacy and Access Committee, policies, and procedures.
Those interested in obtaining data for use in research or operational purposes from any of BCCDC’s databases may make their request directly to BCCDC. Access for de-identified record level data and aggregate data can be requested. All requests for data from the BCCDC must be in writing and follow the below procedure. Data requests are reviewed and categorized by BCCDC’s Privacy Advisor and BCCDC’s Privacy and Access Committee prior to processing. The approval process for requests for data from BCCDC differs according to the type of data requested, the purpose for which the data is requested, governance of the database and the degree of confidentiality and sensitivity associated with the data.
Please note the process described below may also be used to submit requests for data from the Public Health Microbiology & Reference Laboratory.
General Statistics and Annual Reports of various Communicable Diseases can be found on Statistics and Research. Information related to the BCCDC mandate including a link to our strategic plan, can be on the Mandate & Partners page.
| Who may request data from BCCDC? |
Researchers, Students, Public Organizations
Media Requests - Please contact Communications. |
| How to request data from BCCDC? |
1. Fully complete the BCCDC/PHMRL Data Request Form-External by saving the document to your own file.
2. Before you submit your request, review all the information on the form carefully, to make sure you are familiar with the relevant details and instructions.
3. Send form electronically to: datarequest@bccdc.ca
4. If research based, all related Ethics approval documents must be included.
5. Send the signed/dated hardcopy form to:
BCCDC
Public Health Analytics - 2nd floor
655 West 12th Ave
Vancouver, BC
V5Z 4R4
Note: Hardcopy version is required for our permanent records. |
| Processing Times & Approvals |
Data requests will be placed in a queue based on date of receipt. All requests are reviewed and approved by BCCDC’s Privacy and Access Committee, appropriate Data Stewards and BCCDC’s Provincial Executive Director.
Please be prepared for a wait of at least 4 weeks for your data.A BCCDC officer will contact you about your request if any clarifications are required.
After the request has been reviewed, and if deemed necessary, the BCCDC will send to the requestor the Terms and Conditions, as well as the confidentiality agreement that must be signed by the requestor and all other individuals requiring access to the data before the data can be disclosed. |
| Contacts |
Any questions relating to data requests can be directed to the Public Health Analytics Division at BCCDC: 604-707-2500 or 604-707-2551
Any questions relating to media inquiries can be directed to our Communications team. |
Last Updated: March 28, 2013