Frequently asked questions

Catalyst Investigations is authorized by the Private Security and Investigative Services Branch (PSISB) of the Ministry of the Solicitor General to provide private investigation services in Ontario. 

As a licensed agency, Catalyst Investigations operates in compliance with the regulations governing the private security industry in the province, including the licensing of security guards, private investigators, and investigative agencies. 

Some investigators are additionally bound by other professional regulation based on their previous career experience, all with the eye to ensuring public safety and protection.

Catalyst Investigations is Licensed, Insured & Bonded. 100% Confidentiality Guaranteed.

When you hire a licensed private investigator in Ontario, your personal information is protected by robust privacy laws and professional standards. Here's how your privacy is safeguarded:

Licensed private investigators in Canada must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This law sets strict guidelines for how personal information can be collected, used, and disclosed in the course of commercial activities.

Private investigators are bound by confidentiality obligations. The information you share with them becomes part of a secure case file, accessible only to those directly involved in your investigation. Breaching these confidentiality requirements can result in severe penalties.

PIPEDA requires that private investigators only collect information necessary for the specific purpose of the investigation. They cannot indiscriminately gather personal data or use it for purposes beyond the scope of their assignment.

Investigative agencies must implement appropriate safeguards to protect the personal information they collect. This includes both physical and electronic security measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of your data.

Licensed private investigators adhere to strict professional standards and ethics. They are required to operate within legal boundaries and cannot engage in activities that violate an individual's privacy rights. By hiring a licensed private investigator in Ontario, you can be confident that your personal information will be handled responsibly and in accordance with the law. However, it's always advisable to discuss privacy concerns directly with the investigator and ensure you understand their specific policies and practices regarding data protection.

Private investigators in Ontario operate within a comprehensive legal framework that governs their activities and conduct. The industry is primarily regulated by the Private Security and Investigative Services Act (PSISA), which sets forth specific guidelines and a code of conduct.

Private investigators must adhere to several key legal restrictions:

1. They are strictly prohibited from impersonating or presenting themselves as police officers or law enforcement officials.
2. They must respect individuals' privacy rights as protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and applicable privacy laws.
3. Their surveillance activities and collection of personal information are subject to legal limitations.
4. They must comply with the Criminal Code of Canada and the Ontario Trespass to Property Act.

In addition to these specific restrictions, private investigators must:

• Obtain and maintain a valid license to operate legally in Ontario.
• Complete mandatory training and pass examinations as required by the PSISA.
• Adhere to industry regulations at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels.

Private investigators are expected to conduct their work ethically and responsibly. This includes:

• Handling sensitive information with confidentiality and discretion.
• Operating within the bounds of their professional mandate without infringing on individual rights.
• Ensuring that all evidence gathered is obtained through legal means.

By adhering to these regulations and ethical standards, private investigators in Ontario can provide valuable services while maintaining the integrity of their profession and respecting the rights of individuals.

Due to the sensitive nature of our work and the storage of confidential evidence and case information, our physical office is not listed publicly. We prioritize the privacy and security of our clients and their sensitive data.

Despite not having a publicly listed office, we offer convenient options for clients to commence investigations and process payments. Clients can initiate an investigation and complete the payment process entirely online or over the phone, ensuring a seamless experience from the comfort of their own location.

Our commitment to professionalism and discretion remains unwavering, regardless of the method of engagement. We understand the importance of confidentiality in our field and have implemented robust measures to safeguard our clients' information throughout the investigation process.

Private Investigators in Canada face strict regulations when it comes to obtaining cellphone records. It is generally prohibited for Private Investigators to access someone's cellphone records without explicit permission from the owner.

Unauthorized access to such records is typically reserved for law enforcement agencies operating under legal authority, such as a warrant or court-issued subpoena.

Private Investigators must adhere to the specific privacy laws of the province in which they operate.

Private investigators can legally conduct surveillance on individuals, provided they operate within the confines of the law. Hiring a seasoned professional is crucial to ensure ethical and lawful practices are maintained throughout the investigation process. 

Our investigators, including a seasoned Social worker with risk and threat assessments and safety and intervention training, A licensed Paralegal specializing in accident and insurance claims with vast knowledge of the law bring a wealth of specialized knowledge to each case. This background enables them to navigate the complexities of surveillance while respecting legal and ethical boundaries.

Private Investigators are occasionally required to present the evidence they gather during their investigations. It is crucial for them to maintain thorough records and employ legal and ethical techniques to collect all relevant evidence. 

Our team of investigators has successfully presented evidence numerous times throughout their distinguished careers, ensuring that you are in capable hands with us.

We assure you that our methodology for handling your case will be customized to align with your specific needs regarding privacy, thoroughness, documentation, and gathering of evidence. 

We will manage your budget judiciously, providing a detailed breakdown of all services rendered and expenses incurred in an itemized statement. Given the unpredictable nature of our investigative work, we cannot make any guarantees regarding the subject's actions or behaviours.