BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association
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Anti-doping agency asks court to declare privacy watchdog’s probe out of bounds
The World Anti-Doping Agency is challenging the legal basis of the federal privacy watchdog’s investigation into the agency’s handling of biological samples collected from athletes. The office of privacy commissioner Philippe Dufresne announced in November last year the investigation would examine whether the agency’s collection, use and disclosure practices respect Canada’s personal information law for…
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Puerto Rico governor signs bill that critics say will restrict access to public information
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González signed a polemic bill on Sunday that critics say is a blow to democracy and will make it more difficult to access public information in a U.S. territory long known for its lack of government transparency. González said the bill amends an existing law…
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Grassley built a reputation for government oversight. Has he abandoned it under Trump?
WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Donald Trump’s top law enforcement officials were firing and forcing out waves of Justice Department veterans, Sen. Chuck Grassley denounced a “political infection” that had poisoned FBI leadership. The Iowa Republican was not criticizing FBI Director Kash Patel or Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a July statement, he directed his…
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Musk defends his work as he prepares to wind down at DOGE but gives hazy answers on future
WASHINGTON (AP) — Elon Musk, preparing to step back from his work leading the Department of Government Efficiency, had a request of the reporters gathered at the White House to interview him: Before he would answer any questions, he wanted someone to tell him a joke. The tech billionaire’s request in the Roosevelt Room on…
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King Township promotes tree planting and recycling initiatives to combat climate change
Let’s protect our planet by keeping recyclables out of landfills and planting trees to create a greener future! That’s the message King Township is sending in advance of upcoming community tree planting events and several recycling initiatives.Recycling is crucial for several reasons. It helps keep the environment clean by reducing the amount of waste produced…
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Alberta seeks court ruling on constitutionality of Ottawa’s clean electricity plan
Alberta’s government is seeking a court ruling on the constitutionality of Ottawa’s clean electricity grid regulations. The regulations, finalized late last year, lay out a plan to decarbonize electricity grids across Canada by 2050. Premier Danielle Smith, who invoked her controversial sovereignty act for the first time in 2023 against draft versions of the regulations…
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Customers’ personal information stolen during cybersecurity breach: Nova Scotia Power
Nova Scotia’s electric utility says personal information belonging to some customers was taken during a recent cybersecurity breach. In a statement, Nova Scotia Power says the theft occurred last Friday when the privately owned company detected unusual activity on its network. At the time, the utility said there was unauthorized access into certain parts of…
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Rules that govern rulers – updates to procedural bylaw for Southgate Township
The procedural bylaw lays out rules for how council conducts its business, but also generally allows council to suspend those rules when two-thirds of council agrees. Presenting on a new draft of those procedural rules was the team that did the updates, Michelle Smibert and Michelle Casavecchia Somers. They presented an updated procedural bylaw, and…
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OPP detachment board’s ‘Traveling Wilburys’ seek meeting location
As the Southern Georgian Bay OPP detachment board continues to hit the ground running, members hope to find a permanent meeting locale. Board administrator Phil DeBruyne presided over this week’s meeting in Tiny Township with nearly-official community representative Judy Contin who was awaiting finalization on CSPA requirements before her full participation next meeting. A verbal…
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Pembina Trails conducts deep-dive into hacked files
Cybersecurity experts are scanning a new dataset of leaked files from 12 schools in south Winnipeg for passport scans and social insurance numbers. The Pembina Trails School Division updated staff and student families Thursday about its ongoing probe into a cybersecurity attack that has paralyzed the organization since it was flagged Dec. 2. Superintendent Shelley…
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Appellate court won’t lift restrictions on DOGE access to Social Security information
A federal appeals court says it won’t lift restrictions on the access that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has to Social Security systems containing personal data on millions of Americans. The full panel of judges on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals voted 9-6 to keep the ruling from U.S. District Judge Ellen…