N.S. names new information and privacy commissioner
Nova Scotia’s new information and privacy commissioner, David Nurse, brings a wealth of legal experience to his new role. Nurse has worked in private practice, as well as for both the Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories governments. His appointment was announced on Monday, as he takes over from Tricia Ralph, whose five-year term recently concluded.
Prior to his new role, Nurse served as a lawyer for the Nova Scotia Department of Justice and the province’s Office of Immigration. He also has experience owning and operating his own law firm, as well as working for the Northwest Territories government. Additionally, Nurse has worked for the Halifax law firm McInnes Cooper in the past.
In a statement regarding his new position, Nurse emphasized the importance of protecting Nova Scotians’ right to know while also respecting their right to privacy. He expressed a commitment to serving the people of Nova Scotia and working collaboratively to enhance transparency and trust in public institutions.
Nurse steps into his new role at a time when the provincial government is conducting a review of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This review process has been ongoing and appears to be taking longer than initially anticipated.
Furthermore, Nurse’s appointment follows concerns raised by his predecessor, Tricia Ralph, regarding the state of the information and privacy system. Ralph had expressed worries about recent government legislation that would have granted department officials the authority to reject access to information requests based on criteria such as being vexatious, frivolous, or lacking specificity.
In response to these concerns and public criticism, the Progressive Conservative government made amendments to the legislation. The specificity requirement was removed, and department officials are now required to seek approval from the privacy commissioner before rejecting an access to information application.
Overall, Nurse’s appointment as Nova Scotia’s new information and privacy commissioner marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to uphold transparency and protect citizens’ privacy rights. His legal background and commitment to serving the public will undoubtedly play a key role in strengthening trust in the province’s public institutions.
