But as a fully Canadian company based in Vancouver, EAS is subject to B.C. laws. "British Columbia has some of the most stringent privacy legislation in Canada," noted Hurd.

"EDS Advanced Solutions is a British Columbia company and all the data will be stored in Canada. The company is subject to British Columbia privacy legislation, which has specific provisions around the Patriot Act," said Duffus.

The contract affects approximately 120 government staff positions, according to the Ministry, but every one of the employees affected have been offered employment by EAS.

"Employees who have accepted offers from EAS remain members of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union, and will receive the same or higher pay and benefits. Employees who opted not to transfer to EAS have chosen one of several options, including remaining with government for placement in other positions," states the Ministry's news release.

Effects on the Kamloops community include new jobs in construction and IT.