If you received a letter from the City of North Bay that wasn’t sealed properly, here’s a possible reason why.
The city says it has discovered a problem with its envelope-sealing machine, which has resulted in the delivery of an unknown number of unsealed or improperly sealed envelopes
Officials say it also affects some mail from the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board and Nipissing District Housing Corporation, which are tenants of city hall and use the mailing service.
The city says it has no knowledge, at this time, of any unauthorized access to personal information during the mailing process.
“In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the City has notified the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario and has taken immediate measures to address the envelope-sealing machine issue,” reads a release. “A review of protocols is also underway to prevent similar incidents in the future.”
The city says it is treating the situation seriously, is apologizing, and says that safeguarding entrusted information remains a top priority.
Officials also say the public can make a formal complaint on the website of Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner.
This is the second time in about a month the city has contacted the Privacy Commissioner after a data breach in September exposed about 300 customer names and outstanding account balances.
