Commissioner Rules!

Nova Scotia's Information and Privacy Commissioner issued a report yesterday concluding that the NS Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (NSDFA) should release information requested by a member of the Friends of Antigonish Harbour back in July 2021. The request dealt with applications for oyster aquaculture  leases in Antigonish Harbour.

The Commissioner found that the NSDFA had not proved its claim that release of the information would harm Nova Scotia or impact the NSDFA's "ability to exercise its mandate to ensure the sustainable growth of the aquaculture industry." You can read the full report at https://oipc.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/reports/23-01%202023%2001%2017%20Review%20Report.pdf.

This is great news and, assuming the NSDFA releases the information per the recommendation of the Commissioner, will ensure a more comprehensive review of facts before an Aquaculture Review Board hearing.