2012
Councillor's Breach of Privacy Conviction Upheld
On July 25, 2012, the British Columbia Supreme Court upheld the conviction of Brian Skakun, a City of Prince George Councillor, for breaching Section 30.4 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FIPPA”). Councillor Skakun had disclosed to a media member a confidential investigative report provided to City Council involving staff working for the City in the local RCMP detachment. To our knowledge, this is the first and only conviction under this provision of FIPPA involving a public official. This should remind local government administrators and elected officials of the seriousness with which the courts will treat breaches of privacy under this Act. To review the full Reasons of the Court, go to the British Columbia Supreme Court's Website.