News release

New Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer Appointed

Justice

Nova Scotia has appointed a new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) review officer. Tricia Ralph’s appointment takes effect on March 1.

Ms. Ralph is currently legal counsel for the information and privacy commissioner of Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.

The review officer has an independent oversight role and is appointed by the governor in council for a term of five to seven years.

“I’m pleased to welcome Ms. Ralph to this important oversight position,” said Mark Furey, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “This role is instrumental to ensuring a balance is maintained between the protection of information and right to access. Ms. Ralph’s credentials and experience highly qualify her to take on this vital role. I would like to thank Carmen Stuart for her service over the past several months as acting review officer.”

In addition, government is creating a new leadership role to oversee privacy. This executive director position will be an added resource which will help to improve overall efficiency of the office.

Ms. Ralph’s other positions have included legal counsel for the Northwest Territories Department of Justice, lawyer for Northwest Territories Legal Aid, Legislative and Legal Advisor for the Northwest Territories Department of Education, Culture and Employment.

Ms. Ralph has a masters of health administration and bachelor of laws degree from Dalhousie University, and a bachelor of science degree from Trent University in Peterborough, Ont.

Quotes:

“I am excited to take on the position of review officer for Nova Scotia. I am humbled by this appointment and am committed to serving in this role. I have a keen interest in privacy and access issues and I look forward to working with Nova Scotians and public bodies to ensure we protect the privacy of citizens while ensuring transparency in the government process. I can’t wait to return to Nova Scotia,and continue the vital work of the information and privacy office.”

– Tricia Ralph

Quick Facts:

  • the review officer’s role is guided by the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, the Privacy Review Officer Act and the Personal Health Information Act
  • the review officer is responsible for accepting appeals from people and organizations who are not satisfied with the response they received from a public body as a result of an application under these three pieces of legislation, and conducting reviews of privacy complaints regarding the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by public bodies
  • Nova Scotia’s access and privacy laws apply to all government departments and agencies, municipalities and municipal bodies, hospitals, health authorities, universities and colleges

Additional Resources:

For more information visit https://oipc.novascotia.ca/ .