OT/videotaping laws in Canada

[Guest guest]

Hi, if anyone can asnwer me i would sincerely appreciate it.

I have a problem with the school as they say my son is aggressive at

recess (he is never aggressive so i told them i would videotape the

recess). They came back to me and said it was illegal. Since they are

not very honest, can anyone tell me if this is true or not?

I would appreciate any feedback, this is what i have found to date on

the web...

PR 56. Are there laws against video and electronic surveillance?

The Criminal Code doesn't allow the electronic interception of

private conversations. The key word here is " electronic. " I can stand

near you in the park and listen to everything you say, whether you

like it or not. And no criminal law exists to stop someone who is not

an agent of the government from secretly taking pictures or video-

tapes of other people if they don't record voices. Only the police

must get approval from a judge to videotape a citizen's activities. A

security guard, for example, can videotape you without permission

from anyone. But depending on the situation, you might have a civil

action against the person or business carrying out the surveillance.

(03.31.98)

In Canada the closed circuit surveillance camera business is

estimated to be somewhere between $65 to $90 million annually and

growing. Not only are video cameras being used openly in public

spaces by some municipalities and businesses, but private

individuals, retailers, and employers can put and have put concealed

cameras in such places as retail washrooms, utility transformers, air

vents, etc