MAXIMUS: A Done Deal. So, now what?

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What's up?

The provincial government is contracting out major government programs to US owned companies, including the administration and management of British Columbians' personal healthcare information.

So what?

So, your medical records, prescription drugs, income, credit history, employment background, and other information are now in the hands of companies subject to American legislation.

Doctor/patient confidentiality is a cornerstone of health care in Canada and includes patient/client records that are maintained by provincial medical plans. But this confidentiality could be shattered as a result of the BC government's contract with US owned companies.

Because your medical records are being managed by an American company, they are subject to the highly controversial USA PATRIOT Act. This Act automatically grants the US government unlimited access to your confidential medical records, which can be used for US government investigative purposes.

Your records could be seized by the FBI and you could be investigated without your knowledge or consent.

So, what do I do?

Don't take our word for it. Find out for yourself.

This website explains how and why the USA PATRIOT Act threatens our privacy rights when our personal information is outsourced to American owned companies.

Consider what trusted, impartial sources, such as BC's Privacy Commissioner, are saying about this issue. The Commissioner conducted a thorough investigation and released a detailed report — including 32 detailed recommendations — in October, 2004. Six additional recommendations were subsequently proposed by the Commissioner in a follow-up letter to the government. Of these 38 suggestions aimed at protecting the privacy of BC citizens, 32 fall solidly within the provincial government's jurisdiction; the others require action by the federal government. But, after many months, the BC government has only implemented 5 of the Privacy Commissioner's recommendations (and is working on another two)!

Learn how others are responding — from legal action launched by the BC Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU) — to awareness campaigns and social action initiated by organized groups and individuals.

You can play an important role.

• Become a Right to Privacy Campaign supporter.
  
• Find out what the government and these companies already know about you — and whether or not their information is accurate and current. Write a letter to the Ministry of Health Services requesting a copy of all personal information held by their offices (click on the link for more information). Under BC law, It's Your Right to Know.