Commissioner’s Blog | Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario

Information and Privacy Commissioner Patricia Kosseim posing for a photo on a bridge, with trees in the background.

Commissioner’s Blog

Dive into Commissioner Kosseim’s insightful blogs covering privacy, access, cyber safety, and beyond. Stay informed and explore the latest insights.

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Showing 55 - 63 of 242 results

Has the Time Come for a Private Sector Privacy Law in Ontario?

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...

Published on Aug 14, 2020

COVID Alert and Your Privacy

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...

Published on Jul 31, 2020

Divisional Court brings greater certainty and predictability to IPC decisions

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. While the...

Published on Jul 27, 2020

A whole new kind of “homework”: Ensuring access and privacy rights from the hearth

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. With no...

Published on Jul 23, 2020

Supreme Court decision lifts the cloud on genetic testing

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 constitutionality of the...

Published on Jul 21, 2020

Message from the Commissioner Patricia Kosseim

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 Beamish...

Published on Jul 2, 2020

IPC 2019 Annual Report: Looking Back, Moving Forward

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 to...

Published on May 28, 2020

Letter to public health and government officials on release of COVID-19 related data

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...

Published on Apr 16, 2020

Ontario Legislature Appoints Patricia Kosseim as Next Commissioner

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 her...

Published on Apr 14, 2020

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