Privacy Review Officer Appointed
The Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office is pleased to announce a major development with respect to privacy in Nova Scotia.
Today, September 25, 2009, Nova Scotia joins all other Canadian
provinces and territories in providing comprehensive privacy protections
in the public sector for its citizens. Bill 234 passed the House of
Assembly and was proclaimed An Act to Provide for a Privacy Review
Officer.
The incumbent Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review
Officer Ms. Dulcie McCallum was appointed the new Privacy Review
Officer. The Privacy Review Officer Act in part stipulates the following
powers for the Privacy Review Officer:
•monitor how privacy provisions are administered and conduct reviews
of privacy complaints arising from the privacy provisions;
•initiate an investigation of privacy compliance if there are reasonable
grounds to believe that a person has contravened or is about to
contravene the privacy provisions and the subject matter of the review
relates to the contravention;
•make recommendations on and mediate privacy complaints;
•undertake research matters concerning privacy legislation;
•inform the public about this Act;
•on the request of a public body, provide advice and comments on
privacy;
•a person who believes that his or her own personal information has been
collected, used or disclosed in contravention of the privacy provisions
may ask the Privacy Review Officer to review the matter;
•the powers and duties of the Review Officer in the Freedom of
Information and Protection of Privacy Act and related Regulations are
referentially incorporated mutatis mutandis.
This new legislation makes the jurisdiction of the Review Officer clear
with respect to privacy complaints regarding public bodies. The new Act
strengthens the role with respect to privacy by enabling the Review
Officer to initiate an investigation, to undertake research, to engage
in public education and to provide advice to public bodies. Nova Scotia,
which was the first province to introduce access to information
legislation, has comprehensive privacy protections in place.
To view the Nova Scotia government press release regarding Ms.
McCallum's most recent appointment, please go to
http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20090925002
Right to Know Week Quiz Contest
Right to Know Week 2009
September 28, 2009 is International Right to Know Day. In Nova Scotia, Premier Darrell Dexter has proclaimed the week of September 28 – October 2 Right to Know Week. There will be various activities in most provinces and at the national level during this week.
The Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office is participating in this Canada-wide effort to raise awareness of the right to access information and its value, with a local focus on what it means to those living and working in Nova Scotia.
The purpose of these events is to celebrate the right of Canadians, particularly Nova Scotians to access information in the possession, or under the control of public bodies as enshrined in freedom of information legislation. Such legislation reinforces the accountability of governments by ensuring they operate with transparency and openness.
The Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office will be hosting a contest open to all Canadians. Contestants will be asked to complete a quiz testing their knowledge of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation and its applicability to certain scenarios. The winning contestant will receive a portable DVD player and two access to information themed movies.
The Right to Know Week Quiz will be available on our website on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 9:00 am.
New Publication Release - June 2008
Respecting Your Access and Privacy Rights - A Citizen's Guide for Nova Scotians
Press Release - Regina, June 4, 2008
Privacy Advocates Express Concern About Child Privacy Online
As Canadian youth spend more time online, they run the risk of losing control of their personal information and, potentially, facing complications at home, school or work.
Canada’s privacy commissioners and ombudspersons issued a joint resolution today expressing their commitment to work together to improve the state of online privacy for children and young people.
“It’s time to stop the commercial exploitation of our children. It’s high time we came to terms with the impact of the Internet on youth and their lives,” says Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner, Gary Dickson.
The resolution was the product of the semi-annual meeting of Canada’s privacy commissioners and ombudsmen from federal, provincial and territorial jurisdictions across Canada, being held June 4 and 5 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Press Release - February 5, 2008
Enhanced Driver's Licenses Concern Canada's Privacy Guardians
Federal-Provincial-Territorial Meeting of Information and Privacy Commissioners and Ombudsmen
Victoria, February 5, 2008 – Plans to consider or implement enhanced driver’s licenses (EDL) in several Canadian provinces have prompted federal, provincial and territorial privacy guardians to express their concerns about the privacy and security risks of the EDL program.
The information and privacy commissioners and ombudsmen today issued a joint resolution outlining the steps that will need to be taken to ensure the privacy and security of any Canadian’s personal information accessed as part of an EDL programs.
Right to Know Week October 1 - October 5, 2007
Premier Rodney MacDonald proclaims October 1 - October 5, 2007 Right to Know Week in Nova Scotia. Click here to view the Proclamation.
September 28, 2007 is International Right to Know Day. In Canada, the week of October 01-05, 2007 has been designated as “Right to Know Week.” There will be various activities in most provinces and at the national level during this week.
The Nova Scotia Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Office is participating in this Canada-wide effort to raise awareness of the right to access information and its value, with a local focus on what it means to those living and working in Nova Scotia.
The Review Office will be co-hosting events in conjunction with various libraries in Nova Scotia, as well as participating in an open forum with the Nova Scotia Right to Know Coalition.
The purpose of these events is to celebrate the right of Canadians, particularly Nova Scotians to access information in the possession, or under the control of public bodies as enshrined in freedom of information legislation. Such legislation reinforces the accountability of governments by ensuring they operate with transparency and openness.
Time Extension Request Procedure, September 10, 2007
Fredericton June 28, 2007 — Federal, provincial and territorial privacy guardians are united in calling on the federal government to suspend its new no-fly list program, Passenger Protect, until it can be overhauled to ensure strong privacy protections for Canadians.
Press Release - March 29, 2007
Nova Scotia
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer
applauds the steps taken by the Government of Nova Scotia in tabling a
Bill that would totally eliminate the $25.00 fee for Review Requests.
New FOIPOP Review Officer Appointed
Dulcie McCallum, former Ombudsman for the Province of British Columbia, is Nova Scotia's new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer.
Ms. McCallum received her law degree from the University of Victoria and has expertise in administrative and human rights law. Over the past 30 years, Ms. McCallum has held positions in private practice and in the public sector. She was Ombudsman for the Province of British Columbia for seven years, until 1999. Since then, Ms. McCallum has worked for government and a number of organizations, including representative on the Canadian Delegation to the United Nations, to draft the new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Ms. McCallum will assume office on Feb. 5.
Professional Standards and Certification Project
The CAPA-CAPAPA Professional Standards and Certification Project (PSCP) has a stated goal of establishing Information Access and Protection of Privacy (IAPP) specialists as a recognized profession in Canada. The project will achieve this goal by developing professional standards, establishing a certification model and by recognizing a governance group capable of implementing the program. More information is available at the following websites:
If you need to install the Acrobat Reader, please click here to go to the Adobe Acrobat Reader download page.