Chantal Bernier, former Interim Privacy Commissioner of Canada, joins Dentons

Ms. Bernier brings an exceptional combination of insight and knowledge of the public safety context, information security and privacy law. In addition, her broad experience as a senior executive and regulator leading the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) uniquely positions Ms. Bernier to understand the management challenges companies face, and develop privacy solutions that are operationally viable, serve organizational interests and comply with the law.

“We are honoured to have Chantal Bernier, a renowned thought leader in privacy protection, join Dentons,” says Chris Pinnington, Chief Executive Officer, Dentons Canada. “In the digital age, when privacy risks and concerns are on the rise, Ms. Bernier’s perspective and insight as a seasoned regulator and senior executive will be a tremendous asset to our clients, in Canada and around the world.”

Ms. Bernier comes to Dentons after a five and a half year tenure at the OPC as Interim Privacy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner. She oversaw OPC’s operations, including many national and international privacy investigations in the public and private sectors, privacy audits and privacy impact assessment reviews, as well as technological analysis, privacy policy development and research. In addition, Ms. Bernier was instrumental in defining new guidelines and regulations while maintaining strong ties with her international counterparts.

“The addition of Chantal Bernier strengthens the leadership of Dentons’ Canadian privacy and data security practice across our offices,” says Timothy Banks, Canadian lead for Dentons’ Global Privacy and Data Security practice, recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada 2015 as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in the area of Privacy and Data Security Law. “Our team is set to challenge the fragmented approach to compliance advice with integrated solutions and programs. There is no better counsel for practical advice on dealing with privacy regulations than a former regulator.”

While with the OPC, Ms. Bernier led many high-profile investigations, including those related to security breaches, data protection governance, online behavioural advertising and privacy on social networks. She brings detailed insights in directing privacy policies and safeguards, establishing governance frameworks, developing privacy law representation strategies, demonstrating accountability for privacy protection and responding to privacy breaches.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Ms. Bernier as Interim Privacy Commissioner in December 2013 to serve until the selection of the next Privacy Commissioner. Prior to this, Ms. Bernier served as Assistant Privacy Commissioner of Canada (2008 to 2013); Assistant Deputy Minister, Community Safety and Partnerships Branch, at Public Safety Canada (2002 to 2008); Assistant Deputy Minister, Socio-Economic Policy and Programs, at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (1999 to 2002); Director of Operations, Machinery of Government Secretariat, at the Privy Council Office (1998 to 1999); Senior Advisor for Gender Equality, Department of Justice Canada (1996 to 1998); and Special Advisor to the Chairperson at the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (1993 to 1996).

Ms. Bernier completed her law studies at the University of Sherbrooke (1977) and was admitted to the Barreau du Québec in 1978. She holds a Masters in Public International Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (1980).

Ms. Bernier’s community work includes serving as President, International Crime Prevention Centre, and Member of the Board of Directors, Crime Prevention Ottawa.

David Little, Managing Partner, is pleased to welcome Ms. Bernier to Dentons’ Ottawa office, where she will join a long list of distinguished award-winning lawyers with practices in technology, media and telecommunications, corporate finance, startups, venture capital and private equity, mergers and acquisitions, commercial litigation, infrastructure, regulatory matters and financial services. Ms. Bernier will be actively engaged with Dentons offices around the world.

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For further information, please contact:
Amy Holmes, Manager, Marketing and Communications
Dentons Canada LLP
+1 416 863 4481
[email protected]