Statutes that apply in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia's privacy landscape combines federal and provincial law:
- PIPEDA covers private-sector businesses and federally regulated works.
- FOIPOP covers provincial ministries, agencies, and most public bodies.
- The Municipal Government Act contains access and privacy provisions for municipalities, villages, and service districts.
- PHIA covers custodians of personal health information.
The Commissioner's role
The Nova Scotia Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner conducts reviews, issues recommendations, and publishes review reports.
Under PHIA, FOIPOP, and the Municipal Government Act the OIPC NS issues reports and recommendations only; it has no power to make binding orders today.
A new Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (2025, c. 13) received royal assent on October 3, 2025 and gives the Commissioner order-making power when it comes into force on April 1, 2027.