News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) - The provincial government is inviting expressions of interest leading to the appointment of New Brunswick's first access to information and privacy commissioner.

The commissioner will oversee the public sector's performance of its obligations under the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act as well as the handing of personal health information under the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act.

"We are putting in place an access to information and privacy commissioner as part of the Charter for Change commitment to modernize privacy and right to information laws in New Brunswick and further protect an individual's personal information," said Premier Shawn Graham.

Following two years of consultation and development, the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Privacy and Access Act were passed by the legislative assembly in 2009. They will come into force on Saturday, May 1.

The access to information and privacy commissioner will be an officer of the legislative assembly. Because the commissioner will report directly to the legislative assembly, the successful candidate must be appointed on the recommendation of the assembly.

"I am confident that, through this process, the members of the legislative assembly will work together to find the best candidate to take on this important post," Graham said.

Information about the commissioner's position, along with the desirable qualifications, is online. The deadline for submitting expressions of interest is Friday, May 7.