Kerry Hatfield has been appointed Newfoundland and Labrador’s Information and Privacy Commissioner, effective Dec. 5, 2024.
The announcement was made by Derek Bennett, Speaker of the House of Assembly, following a resolution passed by the House on Dec. 3, 2024, in accordance with the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015.
Hatfield brings over two decades of experience in legal practice, including 11 years advising the Eastern Regional Health Authority, now part of NL Health Services. She most recently served as Director of Corporate Legal Services for NL Health Services, where her work focused on privacy compliance, data governance, and information management. Hatfield also has a background in corporate governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance within the health care sector.
Before her tenure in health care, Hatfield practised law at a St. John’s firm, specializing in privacy, access to information, and litigation, including representing the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner in court. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University and a Bachelor of Laws from the University of New Brunswick. She has been a member of the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador since 2002.
Bennett commended Hatfield’s qualifications and acknowledged the contributions of Jackie Lake Kavanagh, who served as acting Information and Privacy Commissioner during the selection process. “Kerry Hatfield’s considerable knowledge and experience in access and privacy will be an asset in this important role,” Bennett said. “I also thank Jackie Lake Kavanagh for her exceptional commitment and exemplary public service during her time as acting Commissioner.”
The Information and Privacy Commissioner oversees compliance with provincial access to information and privacy legislation and investigates complaints under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
