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Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans

Updates to the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (1998)

Update of September 2002

The changes are indicated below in bold and italics:

Section 1, article 1.1 (c), page 1.2, line 10

The following correction has been made in accordance with article 1.1. (c) Where the research involves interaction with the individual in public life or an artist as a research subject by way of a request for an interview or for access to private papers, the ethics review should focus only on whether these requests will be made in accordance with appropriate ethical and professional standards.
Section 2: article 2.1. (c), iii:

The following correction has been made:

The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration
Section 3, Privacy and Confidentiality; Article 3.6. Data Linkage .

The following text has been added at the end of the explanatory text:

Only a restricted number of individuals should perform the function of merging databases; researchers should either destroy the merged file immediately after use, or use enhanced security measures to store it. Whether the data are to be used statistically or otherwise, confidentiality of the information must be maintained by all members of the research team. When a merged database identifies a person or a group who might be at significant risk of harm, it may be appropriate to contact those at risk or the appropriate authorities. The REB and the record holder should also be notified.