Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
Elana Laiken is an accomplished mediator and investigator currently serving at the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario since September 2016. Prior to this role, Elana worked as an investigator at the Ontario Ombudsman from June 2010 to September 2016, where responsibilities included conducting thorough investigations into individual and systemic complaints involving the Ontario government. Elana also held positions as an Early Resolutions Officer, Counsel for the Ministry of Children & Youth Services and Ministry of Community & Social Services, and as a child welfare social worker. Educational credentials include a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Windsor, a Master of Social Work from Yeshiva University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Toronto.
Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
The role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner is set out in three statutes: the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act. The IPC acts independently of government to uphold and promote open government and the protection of personal privacy. Under the three Acts, the Information and Privacy Commissioner: - Resolves access to information appeals and complaints when government or health care practitioners and organizations refuse to grant requests for access or correction; - Investigates complaints with respect to personal information held by government or health care practitioners and organizations; - Conducts research into access and privacy issues; - Comments on proposed government legislation and programs; and - Educates the public about Ontario’s access and privacy laws.