Watch above: The man Prime Minister Stephen Harper chose to be the country’s new privacy watchdog is stirring up controversy before he officially takes on the role, criticizing some key Conservative legislation during his confirmation hearing. Shirlee Engel explains.
OTTAWA – The federal nominee for privacy commissioner says the government’s cyberbullying bill should be split in two to allow greater scrutiny of measures that would expand online surveillance.
Justice Department lawyer Daniel Therrien tells a House of Commons committee there needs to be more transparency on the bill that has raised the ire of many privacy advocates.
READ MORE: Cyberbullying victims’ parents divided over proposed law
Therrien, who has worked for several federal agencies, is assistant deputy attorney general for public safety, defence and immigration at Justice.
He co-led negotiations on privacy principles that govern the sharing of information between Canada and the United States under the new perimeter-security pact.
READ MORE: Why the privacy watchdog wants to shame ‘scumbag’ cyberbullies
Therrien says he has a passion for human rights and, despite his work on government files, would strive to be impartial.
The privacy commissioner monitors compliance of government agencies and private companies with federal privacy laws, and handles complaints from the public about alleged violations.
Comments