Disclosure of Personal Information

WHEREAS an increasing number of illegal marijuana grow operations are found in residential areas where residents, especially children, are at risk and vulnerable, and a growing number of people buy and rent houses for illegal marijuana grow operations, and realtors and property owners are under no legal obligation to disclose to potential buyers whether or not a house was used for an illegal marijuana grow operation; AND WHEREAS federal and provincial privacy legislation forbids the disclosure of personal information, including information that may identify an individual associated with criminal activity except where there are compelling circumstances affecting someones safety or health and the third party was consulted before releasing the personal information, and that third party personal information may be protected from disclosure by statute notwithstanding compelling circumstances: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities petition the provincial government to pursue legislative changes to allow the disclosure of information that may identify an individual associated with criminal activity if said disclosure is in the public interest.