Information, Access and Privacy Officer

The City of Port Colborne, located on the south coast of the scenic Niagara region, Niagara’s Port of Call has found the perfect balance – successful industrial and commercial sectors, comfortable and scenic residential areas, white sand beaches, unique culinary choices, the world class Sugarloaf Marina, fishing, golfing, trails, shopping districts along the historic Welland Canal – truly a community that adds to the overall Niagara Experience.

Reporting to the City Clerk, the Information, Access, and Privacy Officer leads the City’s Information Access and Privacy programs in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and related legislation. The successful candidate is responsible for administering the City’s access to information process, conducting privacy impact assessments and privacy breach investigations, developing policies and training programs, and promoting compliance with legislative and corporate privacy requirements.

The role provides expert advice to management and staff on information governance, privacy, records management, and access to information matters. The Information, Access and Privacy Officer also supports corporate initiatives and projects, develops reports and recommendations, assists with municipal election activities and statutory duties as assigned, and fosters a culture of transparency, accountability, and privacy compliance across the organization.

• Administer the City’s Access to Information Program and process MFIPPA requests within legislated timelines.
• Provide expert advice, training, and support on privacy, access to information, records management, and information governance.
• Conduct privacy impact assessments (PIA) and lead investigations into actual or suspected privacy breaches.
• Prepare investigation findings, recommendations, corrective actions, and compliance reports.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and best practices related to privacy, records management, and information governance.
• Support the City’s Records and Information Management (RIM) program, including retention, classification, disposition, and electronic records management.
• Monitor legislative changes, emerging trends, and best practices, recommending improvements to corporate programs and processes.
• Prepare reports, briefing notes, policies, and Council reports.
• Lead or participate in corporate projects related to access, privacy, records management, and information governance.
• Support municipal election planning and other statutory responsibilities of the Clerk’s Division.
• Build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders and serve as the City’s primary privacy resource.

• Four (4) year degree in Information Management, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline, and/or a diploma in Legal, Paralegal, or related studies.
• Successful completion of the Municipal Administration Program through AMCTO.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in an information access and privacy role, preferably in a Municipal Clerk’s office or other government agency.
• Knowledge of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA) and the Municipal Act, 2001.
• Proficient in word processing, spreadsheet, and graphic design software including MS Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and TOMRMS.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with sensitive and highly confidential information in a professional, appropriate, and effective manner.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, communication, public speaking, research, financial, and time management skills.
• Ability to independently plan day-to-day work to allow…