Human Pathogens and Toxins Act

Marginal note:Disclosure by Minister

• 39 (1) The Minister may, without the consent of the person to whom the information relates, disclose personal information and confidential business information obtained under this Act to a person from whom the Minister seeks advice, to a department or agency of the government of Canada or a province, to a foreign government or to an international organization if

  • (a) the disclosure is necessary for the administration or enforcement of this Act or the regulations;

  • (b) the Minister has reasonable grounds to believe that the disclosure is necessary to address a serious and imminent danger to the health, safety or security of the public;

  • (c) the disclosure is necessary to enable Canada to fulfil its international obligations; or

  • (d) the disclosure is necessary to enable Canada to submit Confidence-Building Measures in connection with the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention.

• Marginal note:Maintain confidentiality of information

  (2) Except in the circumstances described in paragraph (1)(b) or (d), before disclosing the information to any person other than His Majesty in right of Canada or an agent of His Majesty, the Minister must obtain the person’s written agreement that they will maintain the confidentiality of the information unless they are required by law to disclose it.