Premier’s aide broke law by revealing health details of cabinet minister: report

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s privacy commissioner has found that the premier’s former chief of staff broke privacy laws when he spoke about medical information concerning a former Liberal cabinet minister.

Kirby McVicar resigned after he said in media interviews that Andrew Younger had told him he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and that he also had a brain tumour.

Younger responded in late November by filing a privacy complaint against McVicar with privacy commissioner Catherine Tully.

The member of the legislature, who has also been dropped from the Liberal caucus, said the disclosure contained some inaccurate information and was done without his consent.

“Personal health information, particularly mental health information, is among the most sensitive personal information,” said Tully.

Tully said her office’s investigation revealed shortcomings in the privacy practices on the Office of the Premier, and generally across government.

She makes recommendations in her report that she says will strengthen privacy in the premier’s office in years to come.

Premier Stephen McNeil dropped Younger from his cabinet last year, saying he didn’t provide accurate information on when he knew about a parliamentary privilege that was used to avoid appearing at an assault trial.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today