Police, not staff gave advice

The Nova Scotia government was in damage-control mode Thursday as it modified its assertion that police had asked the Internal Services Department to hold off on releasing information about a security breach involving the province’s freedom-of-information internet portal.

On Wednesday, Internal Services Minister Patricia Arab and Premier Stephen McNeil said they delayed telling the public about the breach on the advice of police. Later in the day, Halifax Regional Police Supt. Jim Perrin denied that assertion, saying “there was no conversation between us and the province about holding off and not telling anybody.’’

On Thursday, McNeil and Arab said department staff were in contact with police, but they confirmed it was staff members who recommended the delay.

“I didn’t specifically speak to Halifax Regional Police,’’ said McNeil. “Our security people who did in that conversation said the longer that they (police) would have to identify that IP address the better it would be. We made the choice, as I said yesterday, they (police) did not tell us not to notify.’’

McNeil suggested reporters check back with police.

A reply was provided by police spokeswoman Const. Carol McIsaac.

“During the course of the investigation, it is normal for us to have discussions with complainants to ensure the best possible outcome, understanding it is not up to us to make the final decision on a public communication by the complainant,’’ she said.