Paula Simons
First woman to sit as independent officer of provincial legislature
Jill Clayton was sworn in as Alberta’s third information and privacy commissioner on Wednesday, becoming Alberta’s first woman to sit as an independent officer of the legislature.
“I am truly honoured,” Clayton said Wednesday.
“I think Alberta is very fortunate to have these laws. They are good laws, and I believe in the public policy intent of these laws. Openness, transparency ... are fundamental to democracy.
“The world is changing quickly, with new technology, public-private health partnerships, information sharing and social media,” Clayton said. “There are a lot of challenges ahead, but I am thrilled to be back in Alberta.”
Premier Alison Redford attended Clayton’s swearing-in and trumpeted her government’s commitment to openness and transparency.
“When we can share information we will do so. We will do so willingly, and openly, and without hesitation,” Redford said in a short speech.
“What Albertans want in government, and what they want in the political process, is open, honest engagement. They wan t transparency ... As a province in Canada, we are leading the way in many areas.”
Opposition party members used the swearing-in as an opportunity to encourage more government openness.
Liberal Leader Raj Sherman, the leader of the official opposition, told Clayton she has a “tremendous” responsibility.
“For a true democracy to function, it needs to be open. That’s what democracy is about — openness and accountability,” Sherman said. “The public has a right to know how decisions are made in the backrooms … so government can be held accountable.”
NDP MLA Rachel Notley also encouraged Clayton to help Alberta improve access to information, and to data in particular.
“One of those challenges is to ensure that we have continued — and in fact improved — access to information that is held and gathered by our public bodies in our province,” Notley said.
Clayton replaces Frank Work, who had been with the office since it was established in 1995. He stepped down in December.
Most recently, Clayton worked as manager of the Privacy and Freedom of Information Department for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia.
She began her career as privacy consultant for clients in the health care, telecommunications, oil and gas and non-profit sectors.
In 2004, she became a portfolio officer with Alberta’s Office of the Information and Privacy, and worked as part of a team responsible for ensuring compliance with Alberta’s privacy law, the Personal Informa- tion Protection Act (PIPA). Between 2008 and 2011, Clayton served as director of PIPA.
In 2010, she was appointed assistant commissioner responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of amendments to PIPA, particularly mandatory breach notification requirements.
She is a University of Calgary graduate with bachelor degrees in history and environmental design. She worked for the Bethany Care Society from 1998 to 2000.
Clayton was recommended for the appointment by a Tory-dominated all-party committee.