Nova Scotia Names Lawyer David Nurse Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer
In a move to strengthen transparency and privacy protections, the Nova Scotia government has appointed David Nurse as the province’s new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Review Officer. This appointment marks a significant step in Nova Scotia’s ongoing efforts to balance public access to information with the safeguarding of personal data.
Nurse, a seasoned lawyer with a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, succeeds Tricia Ralph, whose five-year tenure ended on February 28, 2025. His appointment was announced amid the province’s broader review of the FOIPOP Act, a process that has faced criticism and delays.
A Wealth of Experience
David Nurse brings a robust resume to his new role. He has served as counsel at McInnes Cooper, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest law firms, and has worked with the government of the Northwest Territories. Additionally, he has held positions within Nova Scotia’s Office of Immigration and Department of Justice. Nurse also operated his own law firm, gaining extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the FOIPOP process.
His diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of access to information and privacy laws. This expertise is expected to be instrumental in his new role as Review Officer.
A Key Role in Upholding Transparency
As the FOIPOP Review Officer, Nurse will be responsible for reviewing decisions related to access to information requests under several key pieces of legislation. These include the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the Personal Health Information Act. Additionally, he will oversee privacy complaints involving the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by public bodies, as outlined in the Privacy Review Officer Act.
Nurse’s duties will also involve ensuring that public institutions comply with transparency requirements while protecting sensitive information. His role is critical in maintaining public trust in government institutions and upholding Nova Scotians’ right to access information.
A Commitment to Transparency and Trust
Speaking about his appointment, Nurse emphasized his commitment to fostering transparency and trust in public institutions. He has pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the FOIPOP process is both fair and effective. His approach is expected to enhance the province’s access to information framework, which has been under scrutiny in recent years.
Nova Scotia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Becky Druhan, expressed confidence in Nurse’s ability to lead the FOIPOP office. “David Nurse’s extensive experience makes him the ideal candidate for this role,” Druhan stated. “He understands the importance of balancing transparency with privacy, and his expertise will be invaluable in upholding the rights of Nova Scotians.”
Navigating a Challenging Landscape
Nurse’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Nova Scotia’s access to information regime. The province has been reviewing the FOIPOP Act, a process that has been marked by delays and controversy. One of the most contentious issues arose during Tricia Ralph’s tenure, when proposed legislative changes would have allowed officials to deny information requests deemed “frivolous or vexatious” without requiring approval from the privacy commissioner.
Following criticism from transparency advocates and the public, amendments were made to the proposed changes. The revised legislation now requires the privacy commissioner’s approval before such rejections can occur. While this adjustment addresses some concerns, the debate over the balance between transparency and privacy continues.
Nurse’s predecessor, Tricia Ralph, was a vocal advocate for transparency during her time as Review Officer. Her efforts highlighted the challenges of navigating the complexities of access to information laws, particularly in an era where public trust in institutions is increasingly tied to openness and accountability.
A Smooth Transition
During the transition period following Ralph’s departure, Carmen Stuart served as the acting review officer. The provincial government has thanked Stuart for her service, acknowledging her role in ensuring continuity during the recruitment process.
With Nurse now at the helm, the FOIPOP office is poised to continue its critical work. His appointment reflects Nova Scotia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to information processes while safeguarding privacy rights.
As the province moves forward with its review of the FOIPOP Act, Nurse’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of transparency and privacy protections in Nova Scotia. His extensive experience and commitment to collaboration offer a promising foundation for addressing the challenges ahead.
Nova Scotia Names Lawyer David Nurse Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Review Officer
In a move to strengthen transparency and privacy protections, the Nova Scotia government has appointed David Nurse as the province’s new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Review Officer. This appointment marks a significant step in Nova Scotia’s ongoing efforts to balance public access to information with the safeguarding of personal data.
Nurse, a seasoned lawyer with a diverse background in both the private and public sectors, succeeds Tricia Ralph, whose five-year tenure ended on February 28, 2025. His appointment was announced amid the province’s broader review of the FOIPOP Act, a process that has faced criticism and delays.
A Wealth of Experience
David Nurse brings a robust resume to his new role. He has served as counsel at McInnes Cooper, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest law firms, and has worked with the government of the Northwest Territories. Additionally, he has held positions within Nova Scotia’s Office of Immigration and Department of Justice. Nurse also operated his own law firm, gaining extensive experience in navigating the complexities of the FOIPOP process.
His diverse background has equipped him with a deep understanding of both the legal and practical aspects of access to information and privacy laws. This expertise is expected to be instrumental in his new role as Review Officer.
A Key Role in Upholding Transparency
As the FOIPOP Review Officer, Nurse will be responsible for reviewing decisions related to access to information requests under several key pieces of legislation. These include the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Government Act, and the Personal Health Information Act. Additionally, he will oversee privacy complaints involving the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information by public bodies, as outlined in the Privacy Review Officer Act.
Nurse’s duties will also involve ensuring that public institutions comply with transparency requirements while protecting sensitive information. His role is critical in maintaining public trust in government institutions and upholding Nova Scotians’ right to access information.
A Commitment to Transparency and Trust
Speaking about his appointment, Nurse emphasized his commitment to fostering transparency and trust in public institutions. He has pledged to work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the FOIPOP process is both fair and effective. His approach is expected to enhance the province’s access to information framework, which has been under scrutiny in recent years.
Nova Scotia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Becky Druhan, expressed confidence in Nurse’s ability to lead the FOIPOP office. “David Nurse’s extensive experience makes him the ideal candidate for this role,” Druhan stated. “He understands the importance of balancing transparency with privacy, and his expertise will be invaluable in upholding the rights of Nova Scotians.”
Navigating a Challenging Landscape
Nurse’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for Nova Scotia’s access to information regime. The province has been reviewing the FOIPOP Act, a process that has been marked by delays and controversy. One of the most contentious issues arose during Tricia Ralph’s tenure, when proposed legislative changes would have allowed officials to deny information requests deemed “frivolous or vexatious” without requiring approval from the privacy commissioner.
Following criticism from transparency advocates and the public, amendments were made to the proposed changes. The revised legislation now requires the privacy commissioner’s approval before such rejections can occur. While this adjustment addresses some concerns, the debate over the balance between transparency and privacy continues.
Nurse’s predecessor, Tricia Ralph, was a vocal advocate for transparency during her time as Review Officer. Her efforts highlighted the challenges of navigating the complexities of access to information laws, particularly in an era where public trust in institutions is increasingly tied to openness and accountability.
A Smooth Transition
During the transition period following Ralph’s departure, Carmen Stuart served as the acting review officer. The provincial government has thanked Stuart for her service, acknowledging her role in ensuring continuity during the recruitment process.
With Nurse now at the helm, the FOIPOP office is poised to continue its critical work. His appointment reflects Nova Scotia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing access to information processes while safeguarding privacy rights.
As the province moves forward with its review of the FOIPOP Act, Nurse’s leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of transparency and privacy protections in Nova Scotia. His extensive experience and commitment to collaboration offer a promising foundation for addressing the challenges ahead.
