Commissioner’s Blog

On Tuesday, August 18, the Toronto Police Service Board approved the purchase of 2350 body worn cameras (BWC) for its front line officers. The board also passed a motion directing the Toronto Police Service (TPS) to consult with the IPC on accountability and privacy measures to be included in it...

Yesterday, the Ontario government released a discussion paper on improving private sector privacy for Ontarians in a digital age. The government is seeking input from Ontarians on a number of topics that many will recognize as being key ingredients of a modern privacy law in the private sector....

Today, the COVID Alert exposure notification app was launched as an important digital tool to be used among other public health measures, to help control the spread of COVID-19 in Ontario. I commend the robust safeguards the government has put in place to protect the privacy and security of Ontar...

Last week, the Divisional Court rendered a decision in Brockville (City) v. IPC that will likely have far-reaching impact for all stakeholders seeking to challenge my office’s access to information orders before the courts. This is Ontario’s first FOI judicial review decision post-Vavilov. ...

The new work-from-home reality hit many of us like a ton of bricks – bricks and mortar, that is. From a usual Friday afternoon at our office desks, surrounded by familiar people and things… to a Monday morning email instructing us to stay home for the sake of our own health and safety...

Last week the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed Canadians’ rights to undergo genetic testing without fear they may be forced to disclose the results to others and suffer discriminatory treatment based on a genetic condition they might find. On July 10, the Court upheld the constitutionalit...

Today marks my first day as Ontario’s Information and Privacy Commissioner. I am truly honoured to have been appointed to lead this office, working with a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals to serve the people of Ontario. I am particularly grateful to my predecessor, Brian Beami...

Today I released the final annual report of my five-year term. Throughout my tenure as commissioner, I have advocated for increased openness and transparency, encouraging governments to share more, not less, with citizens. My office has backed up this commitment with advice and guidance materials...

I want to thank you and your staff for all that you are doing to protect the public’s health during this crisis. At a time like this, people depend on public servants more than ever, and it’s heartening to see health care workers and other essential staff across the province demonstrate their...

I want to extend my congratulations to Patricia Kosseim on her appointment as the next Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. I know Patricia to be a committed professional who brings a wealth of experience as a regulator and privacy and access lawyer. I am confident she will carry out ...