The speaker of the House of Assembly has issued a statement regarding the process for selecting a candidate for the position of privacy commissioner.

Yesterday, the PCs and NDP held a joint news conference saying the process was not transparent enough, and they were not adequately consulted.

Derek Bennett says the selection committee evaluated potential candidates “based on the broad and significant role” of the privacy commissioner, including their senior leadership experience, and their knowledge of access and privacy legislation, principals, and best practices.

Bennett says the committee conducted interviews in July, and the Speaker received a recruitment recommendation report on August 1, with a roster of one qualified candidate.

He explains that under legislation three people should be recommended for such appointments, but if that is not possible the commission must report to the Lieutenant Governor or minister to explain why.

As such, Bennett consulted with the Premier, Tony Wakeham, and Jim Dinn before a resolution was brought to the legislature.

Further, all leaders were given an opportunity to meet with the selection committee to ask questions.

Premier Furey describes it as “odd” that the opposition parties are choosing now to say they weren’t consulted, noting that when the opposition had two chances to meet with the selection committee neither party took advantage.

“The opposition chose not to send a representative, so i think it is a bit rich, a bit different that they would take that position now.”