Senior Legal Counsel - FOI

The Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) is the statutory body responsible for regulating Ontario’s capital markets in accordance with the mandate established in the provincial Securities Act and the Commodity Futures Act. The mandate of the OSC is to provide protection to investors from unfair, improper or fraudulent practices, to foster fair, efficient and competitive capital markets and confidence in the capital markets, to foster capital formation, and to contribute to the stability of the financial system and the reduction of systemic risk.

This mandate is performed through policy, operational, and enforcement activities. The OSC also contributes to national and global securities regulation development.

We offer a diverse, fair, and flexible work environment and take pride in our challenging and rewarding work.

The General Counsel’s Department (GCD) provides expert, client‑centred, legal, strategic and risk management advice to the Commission. GCD provides legal advice in a wide range of areas including statutory interpretation, administrative law, securities regulation, civil and transactional litigation, corporate/commercial law, information technology/intellectual property law, procurement law, access‑to‑information and privacy law.

Reporting to the Associate General Counsel, Litigation and Strategic Priorities, the Senior Legal Counsel, Privacy and Access to Information will lead the provision of legal advice to the OSC on complex policy, regulatory and legislative issues related to freedom of information (FOI) and privacy in the context of the OSC’s mandate and operations.

• Lead the support provided to the organization in meeting its statutory and legal responsibilities under relevant legislation, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA), and the Archives and Recordkeeping Act, 2006, including advising on relevant legislation changes.
• Provide expertise and time‑sensitive advice in emergent FIPPA, privacy and cybersecurity matters.
• Act as the lead in providing legal advice and support to the OSC’s Senior FIPPA Officer on FOI and privacy matters, including responses to FOI requests, privacy breach management, investigation of privacy inquiries and/or complaints.
• Consult with Associate General Counsel and/or Sr. Litigation Counsel on complex or sensitive matters.
• Lead advocacy in any Information and Privacy Commission appeals, judicial reviews and appeals.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in areas related to FOI, privacy, and administrative law, providing advice to all parts of the Commission with respect to these matters and in periodic review of applicable internal policies and guidance.
• Keep up to date on emerging trends and practices related to information privacy, implement best practices and innovative privacy solutions.
• Maintain expertise in privacy and data governance risks, including ongoing requirements for privacy impact assessments and threat risk analysis.
• Collaborate with the Senior FIPPA Officer on FOI and privacy training and orientation to all staff.
• Review agreements with respect to issues related to privacy and data security issues.
• Participate in relevant committees or working groups at the OSC and at the Canadian Securities Administrators level.

• Member in good standing of the Law Society of Ontario.
• Minimum of eight years legal experience in the areas of FOI and privacy.
• Experience in the public/regulatory sector or in the securities industry is a considerable asset.
• Highly developed communication skills, both oral and written, and demonstrated ability to produce concise, insightful legal submissions, opinions and summaries.
• Expert knowledge of applicable FOI and privacy legislation as well as regulatory requirements, guidelines and law that are applicable to the public sector.
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of relevant administrative law principles and emerging issues and developments.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with urgent, sensitive matters.
• Experience with providing advice on privacy issues with regards to evolving technology (e.g. AI, cloud, etc.) with respect…