NU Information & Privacy

Our X account is going dormant. No new posts after this one, but old posts will remain. Join us over on Bluesky where we are NUIPC. All decisions continue to be available in the CANLII legal database (canlii.org) and on our website (atipp-nu.ca).

First commissioner to live and work in Nunavut, Graham Steele says last day will be Jan. 10, 2026 nunatsiaq.com/stories/articl…

New decision: A researcher died while doing field work in Nunavut. Employer sent its investigation report to the OH&S regulator (WSCC). Applicant requested disclosure from WSCC, which refused. Commissioner recommends WSCC release the report. Full text canlii.ca/t/k9dwq

This is a reminder, if you need one, that a locked filing cabinet with the key in the lock is not really “locked”.

New decision: Applicant wanted records from GN Housing Appeals Committee. HR said there were no records. Commissioner is satisfied no records exist, even though policy says minutes must be kept. Commissioner recommends HR start keeping minutes. Full text canlii.ca/t/k9c6t

"The petitioners argue that the legal challenge is necessary to safeguard their independence and ensure transparency for Yukoners. “Budgetary independence ensures public rights are protected from government interference,” Pedlar said in a press release." ckrw.com/2025/01/24/627…

Statement by the Privacy Commissioner regarding reports of a data breach at PowerSchool. priv.gc.ca/en/opc-news/sp… #Privacy

An interesting decision from our counterpart in NWT

New decision: Applicant asked for records about their employment. Commissioner finds HR erred by omitting some attachments referred to in disclosure package. Commissioner also finds HR correctly applied exemptions under s. 25.1 but not s. 23. Full text canlii.ca/t/k8q2s

New decision: Applicant requested records, through Family Services, from a facility where they were employed as a subcontractor. Family Services said the ATIPP Act did not apply to non-profit society managing the facility. Commissioner agrees. Full text canlii.ca/t/k8dm3.

New decision (cont'd): Applicant asked for review of failure to provide complete response. Commissioner finds some requested info is outside scope of the law. Commissioner recommends additional records within the scope of the law be disclosed. Full text canlii.ca/t/k88m0

New decision: Applicant wanted details of 56 job competitions in which they were unsuccessful. HR disclosed records about 16 competitions over the previous two years. Older files had been destroyed. Commissioner finds destruction was lawful. Full text canlii.ca/t/k88m0

New decision (24-279): Complainant applied for jobs at Justice. Justice searched professional disciplinary records. Complainant said this collection of information was contrary to the ATIPP Act. Special Commissioner finds it was lawful. Full text canlii.ca/t/k88gw

New decision (24-278): Applicant complained Justice was withholding records about certain job competitions in which Applicant had been an unsuccessful candidate. Special Commissioner finds Justice responded openly, accurately and completely. Full text canlii.ca/t/k88gv

A reminder to our followers: The full text of all NUIPC decisions is available in the wonderful, searchable CanLII legal database (canlii.org) and also on the NUIPC website (atipp-nu.ca). Ministerial responses are on the NUIPC website but not in CanLII.

New decision (24-277): Applicant was a contract Health employee. They requested records about the non-renewal of their contract. HR disclosed some records with redactions. Commissioner recommends the records be disclosed without redaction. Full text canlii.ca/t/k86xg

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue in Canada—123,319 incidents were reported to police in 2023. The new FPT resolution supports responsible info sharing in situations involving IPV to protect privacy and safety. Learn more: ow.ly/pAIH50UhAJ8

Be careful when sending sensitive email to a list of recipients, and understand the difference between cc and bcc. Story: Failure to bcc a health-related email leads to class-action lawsuit in Newfoundland and Labrador. vocm.com/2024/11/19/pri…

Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod is strongly recommending improvements to proposed new public sector #access and #privacy bills for Alberta before they are passed oipc.ab.ca/alberta-inform…

Congratulations to #Nunavut’s newly appointed Clerk to the Legislative Assembly, Stephen Innuksuk. I am filled with so much pride to see an Inuk take over this position, especially as the official announcement came on International #Inuit Day.