Privacy, and our rights to it, has recently come under scrutiny following Edward Snowden’s disclosure of sensitive information on the U.S.’s data collection programs.  Though divided by borders, these U.S. leaks have contributed to a nationwide debate in Canada on the balance between privacy and national security.   On the domestic front, this balance is being tested by the government demanding surveillance rights over wireless communications as a condition for telecoms bidding on Canada’s latest block of bandwidth.  In today’s digital age, and with an ever increasing level of personal information communicated via social media sites, what expectations of privacy should Canadians have?

Leading our discussion on information privacy will be two specialists in Information Privacy.  Stephen McCammon is counsel to the Ontario Privacy and Information Commissioner, where he regularly provides legal advice on existing privacy legislation and appropriate governmental policy positions to protect and advance privacy rights in Canada.  David W. Hutton is the Executive Director of FAIR (Federal Accountability Initiative for Reform), a charity dedicated to whisteblower protection for the public and preserving the integrity of Canadian institutions.  Both guests will share their views and experiences on the role of government in relation to privacy and how they see this issue developing.

Join us on Monday, October 21 at the Duke of York (39 Prince Arthur Ave), ask your questions and share your thoughts about Information Privacy. If you just want to sit, listen, and have a drink, that’s fine too.  As always, the event is free.

Please RSVP using our Eventbrite page. Doors open 7:00, discussion starts at 7:30.