To: Hon. Nate Glubish (Minister of Technology & Innovation)
Hon. Dale Nally (Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction)
We are writing on behalf of the Privacy & Access Law North Section of the Canadian Bar Association Alberta Branch (CBA Alberta) in response to the passage of the two new Alberta public sector privacy laws: the Protection of Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act (Acts), and in anticipation of their respective regulations (Regulations).
The Canadian Bar Association is the essential ally and advocate for all members of the legal profession and CBA Alberta represents over 5400 lawyers, judges, law teachers and law students. CBA is dedicated to supporting the rule of law and improving the administration of justice in Canada, promoting fair justice systems, and facilitating effective law reform. Members of CBA Alberta’s Privacy & Access Law Section have extensive knowledge and expertise in privacy and access law, and are thus well positioned to provide valuable insight, commentary and recommendations from the legal community on legislative developments in this area.
Unfortunately, we note that the CBA was not engaged or consulted in respect of the development of the Acts. However, as the Regulations are expected to be forthcoming this spring, there is still a notable opportunity for the CBA to yet be engaged.
We therefore respectfully request that the CBA Alberta be involved and engaged by the Government of Alberta in respect of:
- The development of Regulations; and
- Any future significant legislative developments in the area of privacy and access law in Alberta,
and be provided with a meaningful opportunity to comment on such developments.
We welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further. Please do not hesitate to reach out should you wish to arrange a meeting.
Yours truly,
Steve Hughes & Lorne Randa
Co-Chairs, Privacy & Access Law (North) Section, CBA Alberta Branch
cc: CBA Alberta President and Executive Committee
Natasha Lakhani and Adam Laroche, Co-Chairs, Privacy & Access Law (South) Section, CBA Alberta Branch