Alberta privacy commissioner investigates alleged Centurion Project data breach

https://calgary.citynews.ca/2026/05/07/alberta-privacy-commissioner-data-breach-centurion-project/

Publish Date: 2026-05-07 18:03:00

Alberta’s privacy commissioner has launched an investigation into the alleged leak of the province’s entire electoral list.

Diane McLeod’s office is looking into allegations the Centurion Project, a pro-separatist group, published the personal information of three million Albertans in a database accessible to all.

The privacy commissioner says that would be a violation of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).

BACKGROUND: RCMP investigating Alberta voter info published by separatists, as injunction granted to shutter database

The Centurion Project was notified of the investigation on Wednesday. David Parker, the project’s founder, has denied any wrongdoing in the case, initially claiming he obtained the personal information from a phonebook.

The database was taken down last week following a court order, and Elections Alberta and RCMP have announced separate investigations into the data breach.

“Section 36(1)(a) of PIPA authorizes me to conduct an investigation on my own motion to ensure compliance with any provision of PIPA,” said McLeod in a news release. “I have decided to exercise my authority to investigate these allegations.

“I also have authority under PIPA to order compliance where non-compliance is found during an investigation.”

The investigation will examine if the Centurion Project had the authority to collect, use, or disclose the personal information; if the group made reasonable security arrangements to protect the information; and if it had an obligation to comply with the duty to notify.

“Additional issues may be considered based on evolving circumstances or in response to evidence received,” the news release reads.

Parker has said the goal of the Centurion Project is to recruit and identify those who support the idea of Alberta separating from Canada ahead of a potential referendum this fall.