About FOIPOP:
Since 1994 the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation has included an opportunity for an independent review by the Review Officer. The Review Office staff supports the Review Officer in resolving freedom of information
and privacy matters through research, investigation, analysis
informal resolution and mediation. If a matter cannot be settled
through informal resolution or through mediation, it is referred to the Review Officer for consideration.
The Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office
Team includes the Review Officer, the
Director/Mediator/Investigator, the Portfolio Officers and the
Intake Analyst.
Review Officer
The Review Officer is an independent ombudsman appointed by the Governor in Council for a term of five to seven years. The Review Officer will accept appeals, known as Requests for Review, from applicants or third parties who are not satisfied with the response they received from a public body as a result of an application pursuant to the legislation.
The Review Officer is Dulcie McCallum.
More Information on this role.
The Director is responsible for the supervision of the Review Office staff, human resources, finances and business operations of the Review Office. The Director is Carmen Stuart.
Mediator/Investigator
The Mediator/Investigator is responsible for the investigation and mediation of
Requests for Review of decisions made by public bodies pursuant to the
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Part XX of the
Municipal Government Act and the Privacy Review Officer Act.
The key responsibilities of the Mediator/Investigator include investigating Requests for Review and initiating mediation proceedings to bring about a resolution of the dispute before it reaches the
formal Review process with the Review Officer.
Portfolio
Officer
The Portfolio Officer identifies key issues and facts relevant to
requests for Review and provides specialized research and analytical support related to privacy and information access.
The Portfolio Officer applies and interprets legislation and precedent to advise and assist members of the public and public bodies by providing information about privacy, access to records and appeal processes under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Part XX of the Municipal Government Act and the Privacy Review Officer Act. Portfolio Officers gather information and work with public bodies and applicants to informally resolve Requests for Review.
There are currently three Portfolio Officers at the
Review Office.
Intake Analyst
The Intake Analyst is the first point of contact for all inquiries
and provides initial assessment of all inquires and Requests for Review. Intake includes
obtaining copies of responsive records, clarifying issues under Review
and working with public bodies and applicants to informally resolve
Reviews.
The Intake Analyst applies and interprets legislation and precedent to advise and assist public bodies and members of the public seeking information about privacy, access to record and appeal processes under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Part XX of the Municipal Government Act and the Privacy Review Officer Act.
You may contact any member of the Review Office Team in the following ways:
Mailing Address:
Box 181
Halifax, NS
B3J 2M4
Phone: (902) 424-4684
No Charge-Dial: 1-866-243-1564
Fax: (902) 424-8303