Appointments of the Executive Director of the NWT Human Rights Commission and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories

Appointments of the Executive Director of the NWT Human Rights Commission and the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories

(YELLOWKNIFE) Friday, October 30, 2020 – Two statutory officer appointments were made in the Legislative Assembly today: Executive Director of the NWT Human Rights Commission and Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories.

Nicole MacNeil will take on the position as Executive Director of the NWT Human Rights Commission and Andrew Fox will assume the position of Information and Privacy Commissioner.

These appointments are a result of the retirement of two statutory officers.

The NWT Human Rights Commission is mandated to protect the human rights of Northwest Territories residents. The Commission is composed of three to five Members and the Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of the Commission’s staff, the administration of the complaint process, and is responsible to the Legislative Assembly for the Administration of the Human Rights Act.

Effective November 16, 2020, Nicole MacNeil will assume this position for the next four years. Ms. MacNeil brings to the Office of the NWT Human Rights Commission years of experience from her time as a private practice labour and employment lawyer, and from within the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Labour Relations Division. Her career has led her through advising on harassment and accommodation policies, participating in human rights mediations, and reviewing workplace harassment complaints. She plans, among other goals, to focus on adapting to COVID-19 in regards to public education and outreach on Human Rights.

The Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) reviews decisions made by public bodies regarding privacy breaches and access to government records. The IPC is guided and legislated by the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Health Information Act.

Effective November 23, 2020, Andrew Fox will assume this position for the next five years. Mr. Fox has lived in the Beaufort Delta region and Yellowknife since 1992 and brings with him many years of legal experience, ranging from criminal and civil litigation to crown prosecution. The first year in office for Mr. Fox will be focused on ensuring the Office of the IPC can meet the expectations outlined in the Acts.

For more information, please contact:
The Honourable Frederick Blake Jr., Speaker
Northwest Territories Legislative Assembly
P: 867-767-9133 ext 12005