Michael McEvoy – PSV2019

Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia

Michael McEvoy was appointed Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC in April 2018 by unanimous motion of the Legislative Assembly. He will hold the position as an independent Officer of the Legislature for a term of six years.

Prior to his appointment, Michael served as Deputy Commissioner for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC). He played a key senior leadership role in the enforcement of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). Michael was responsible for leading and managing systemic investigations of significant public interest issues and developing policy papers and guidance for organizations and public bodies. He also led British Columbia’s efforts to coordinate actions with regulatory authorities throughout the Asia Pacific region.

Michael began his career at the OIPC in 2007 as an adjudicator, rendering more than 50 adjudicative rulings relating to access and privacy matters under provincial law. He was Senior Adjudicator from 2011-12 before accepting the position of Deputy Commissioner.

Michael was a public school trustee for 12 years, including two terms as President of the British Columbia School Trustees’ Association and one term as President of the Canadian School Boards’ Association. He also served on numerous campaign committees of the Greater Victoria United Way and chaired its 2009 campaign.

Michael obtained a Juris Doctorate from the University of Manitoba in 1985 and a Bachelor of Arts in 1980 from the University of Winnipeg. He has been a member of the Law Society of British Columbia since 1986.

Michael is married with two daughters and is a charter member of the Victoria Grey Leafs’ old-timer hockey team.