Dulcie McCallum
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer, Province of Nova Scotia
Dulcie McCallum was the first woman, to be appointed as Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer [Commissioner] on February 5, 2007 and the Privacy Review Officer in 2009. In February 2012, Ms. McCallum’s term was extended for a full seven year term. Ms. McCallum moved to Nova Scotia in 2005 from Victoria, British Columbia. Since being appointed the statutory oversight body for access and privacy, Ms. McCallum has issued 56 Review Reports as of August 20, 2013 most notably the What’s Driving Privacy in Nova Scotia report, the Privacy Matters report of the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Gambling in NS report and the foster children report involving their right to their records while in the care of the State. Ms. McCallum has focused on improving the timelines for Reviews emphasizing informal resolutions to facilitate access and a better understanding of the legislation within government and by the public. To this end the Citizens’ Guide, Applicant’s Responsibilities, new brochures and a new and improved website have been developed. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer is appointed under four statutes including the new Personal Health Information Act – to conduct independent non-partisan investigations into access and privacy decisions made by all provincial public bodies, municipalities and health custodians. Prior to being appointed as the Access and Privacy Review Officer, Ms. McCallum worked over a period of four years at the United Nations as an expert member of Canada’s delegation to draft and finalize the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Ms. McCallum was a special advisor to the delegation having been a constitutional expert for over 25 years. Prior to moving to Nova Scotia, Dulcie McCallum was the first female Ombudsman for the Province of British Columbia for seven years, following her work as a barrister and solicitor for ten years specializing in complex litigation, constitutional, human rights and personal injury law. Initially trained as a Registered Nurse [1970], Ms McCallum earned her Bachelor of Law from the University of Victoria in 1981. In 1997, the University of Victoria gave her the Distinguished Alumni Award. She has been awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and recently received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community volunteer work. She presently lives in Halifax with her Golden Retriever Troy.

Dulcie McCallum was the first woman, to be appointed as Nova Scotia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer [Commissioner] on February 5, 2007 and the Privacy Review Officer in 2009. In February 2012, Ms. McCallum’s term was extended for a full seven year term. Ms. McCallum moved to Nova Scotia in 2005 from Victoria, British Columbia. Since being appointed the statutory oversight body for access and privacy, Ms. McCallum has issued 56 Review Reports as of August 20, 2013 most notably the What’s Driving Privacy in Nova Scotia report, the Privacy Matters report of the Workers’ Compensation Board, the Gambling in NS report and the foster children report involving their right to their records while in the care of the State. Ms. McCallum has focused on improving the timelines for Reviews emphasizing informal resolutions to facilitate access and a better understanding of the legislation within government and by the public. To this end the Citizens’ Guide, Applicant’s Responsibilities, new brochures and a new and improved website have been developed. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer is appointed under four statutes including the new Personal Health Information Act – to conduct independent non-partisan investigations into access and privacy decisions made by all provincial public bodies, municipalities and health custodians. Prior to being appointed as the Access and Privacy Review Officer, Ms. McCallum worked over a period of four years at the United Nations as an expert member of Canada’s delegation to draft and finalize the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. Ms. McCallum was a special advisor to the delegation having been a constitutional expert for over 25 years. Prior to moving to Nova Scotia, Dulcie McCallum was the first female Ombudsman for the Province of British Columbia for seven years, following her work as a barrister and solicitor for ten years specializing in complex litigation, constitutional, human rights and personal injury law. Initially trained as a Registered Nurse [1970], Ms McCallum earned her Bachelor of Law from the University of Victoria in 1981. In 1997, the University of Victoria gave her the Distinguished Alumni Award. She has been awarded the YWCA Women of Distinction Award and recently received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her community volunteer work. She presently lives in Halifax with her Golden Retriever Troy.