Caroline Maynard holds on to information commissioner post

She begins a second term in the role on March 1, 2025

Caroline Maynard holds on to information commissioner post

Caroline Maynard has been reappointed information commissioner for a second term that begins on March 1, 2025.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement this week. Maynard was initially named to the position in 2018 at the conclusion of an open, merit-based selection process, the government said.

As information commissioner, Maynard manages the access of the federal government to information practices and ensured institutions’ compliance with their obligations under the Access to Information Act – this involved conducting investigations into complaints and advising parliamentarians on access to information-related concerns. She reports directly to Parliament through the Speaker of the House of Commons.

“For the past seven years, Ms. Maynard has brought her extensive legal background and leadership experience to the role of Information Commissioner. I am confident that she will continue to serve Canadians well through her renewed mandate,” Trudeau said.

The government confirmed that Maynard was appointed by the Governor in Council following a consultation with the leader of each recognized party in the Senate and the House of Commons. The move was approved by resolution of both Houses of Parliament.

Maynard has worked with the government for almost 30 years and is currently based in the National Capital Region. Before taking on the information commissioner role, she was interim chairperson and chief executive officer of the Military Grievances External Review Committee, where she also held roles as director general of operations and general counsel over an 11-year period.

She previously served as legal counsel in the Office of the Judge Advocate General at National Defence and with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee. She also logged a stint with the Canada Revenue Agency.

Maynard joined the Quebec Bar in 1994. A Saint-Hyacinthe native, she is fluent in two languages.

The Office of the Information Commissioner was set up in 1983 under the Access to Information Act  as a support for the information commissioner’s work.