As a Director General of Access To Information and Privacy, you lead a strategic function that ensures the Government of Canada meets its legal obligations under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. You provide executive-level direction and guidance on complex information management issues, establish policy frameworks, and ensure compliance across your organization. This role requires you to balance transparency and accountability with the protection of personal information and sensitive government data.
Your responsibilities include developing and implementing information access and privacy policies, overseeing a team of specialists and analysts, managing relationships with Treasury Board Secretariat and other government departments, and representing your organization on national and international information governance forums. You will make decisions that impact how Canadians access government information and how their personal data is protected. You may also serve as the chief access to information and privacy officer for your department or agency.
You work in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift due to legislative changes, court decisions, and emerging privacy challenges. You collaborate with legal counsel, communications teams, and operational managers to ensure information practices align with government policy and public expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Perform access to information and privacy activities per GC IM policies, Manage information assets through their lifecycle, Ensure compliance with access to information and privacy requirements, Support information governance and standards
Required Skills
Records management, ATIP legislation, Information governance, Classification systems, Digital literacy, Relevant technical skills, Communication, Teamwork, Problem-solving
Typical Education
Education and experience commensurate with the role requirements
Training
To qualify for this role, you typically need a university degree in law, public administration, business, information management, or a related discipline. Many successful candidates hold advanced degrees such as a Master's in Public Administration (MPA) or a Master of Laws (LLM) with specialization in information law.
Professional certifications in information governance, privacy management (such as IAPP's CIPP certification), or records management are valued. You should demonstrate deep knowledge of federal access to information and privacy legislation, Treasury Board policies, and government information management frameworks.
Ongoing professional development is expected at this level, including participation in executive leadership programs, specialized training on emerging privacy technologies and regulations, and engagement with professional associations such as the Canadian Association for Information and Privacy (CAIP). You may also pursue certifications through the Treasury Board Learning Institute or university-based governance programs.
Entry Plans
Entry to this Director General position typically occurs through competitive staffing processes run by your department or the Public Service Commission. Most candidates come from within the Public Service, having progressed through intermediate and senior management roles in information management, access to information, privacy, or related functions.
You may enter this career stream at lower classification levels (such as Information Management Analyst or Advisor) through competitions for recent graduates or experienced professionals. Lateral moves from other government functions—such as legal services, policy development, or strategic communications—are also possible if you bring relevant expertise and can demonstrate knowledge of information governance principles.
Some candidates are recruited directly at the Director General level if they bring exceptional expertise from the private sector, academia, or other jurisdictions. In these cases, recruitment may occur through external competitions or the Priority Placement Program for surplus employees. Advancement typically requires completion of intermediate management positions and demonstrated success leading larger teams and managing complex, organization-wide initiatives.
Part-Time Options
Director General positions are classified as senior executive roles and are typically full-time appointments. However, the Government of Canada is increasingly flexible on work arrangements for executive-level positions. Depending on your department's policies and operational requirements, part-time or job-sharing arrangements may be negotiated, though these are uncommon at the Director General level.
Remote work options are available on a case-by-case basis, particularly for portions of your work that involve policy analysis, stakeholder consultation, or briefing preparation. However, this role requires regular presence in the office for meetings with executives, interdepartmental coordination, and representation at government forums. The nature of access to information and privacy work—which often involves sensitive information handling and classified material—may limit fully remote options.
Flexible working hours are generally available to accommodate the demands of executive-level responsibilities, allowing you to manage your schedule around priorities such as court hearings, Treasury Board submissions, or emergency information breaches. Discussion of flexible work arrangements should occur during your hiring process and be formalized in your employment agreement.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
