Responsible Privacy & Data Governance at Statistics Canada

About this Session: Learn about Statistics Canada’s approach to data governance in the digital age and its evolution from traditional “Privacy by Design” principles toward a broader and more integrated “Responsible Privacy Culture.” StatCan Chief Privacy Officer Dr. Pierre Desrochers and Shelley Jeglic discuss how trust is strengthened through responsible privacy practices at the nation’s statistical agency. They outline the trust‑centred methodology used for de‑identification, and explain the application of the principles of necessity and proportionality across programs. They also highlight how the “Five Safes” framework underpins access to Statistics Canada’s microdata, including Public Use Microdata Files and Real Time Remote Access as well as in‑person and remote access to confidential microdata. About the Speakers: Dr. Pierre Desrochers is the Chief Privacy Officer at Statistics Canada, an HDRN Canada member. He has held senior roles across the federal public service, including at the Privy Council Office, Indigenous Services Canada, Crown‑Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and Library and Archives Canada. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa’s School of Information Studies, where he teaches information management and government information policy. He also lectures on project management, digital transformation and strategic management at the École nationale d’administration publique, as well as program evaluation at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration. Pierre has authored several papers, including an article on AI regulation in Canada, Should Algorithms be Regulated by Government? (2019), and has written a book on government data management, Les données administratives publiques dans l’espace numérique (2022). He holds an interdisciplinary PhD. in applied human sciences from the University of Montreal, with a focus on information sciences and public administration. Shelley Jeglic is the Acting Director of the Data Access Division at Statistics Canada, an HDRN Canada member. She leads national efforts to expand, modernize and strengthen access to high‑quality microdata for researchers, policymakers and partners across Canada. With a 26‑year career at Statistics Canada, Shelley brings deep institutional knowledge and a strong commitment to public‑value data. She spent more than two decades in subject‑matter areas, including over 10 years in health‑related divisions, where she contributed to major analytical programs and developed a nuanced understanding of the data needs of the research community. Shelley is a champion for responsible, timely and equitable access to data. She is passionate about ensuring that the information Statistics Canada collects is not only robust and well‑governed but also meaningfully accessible to the researchers who rely on it to advance evidence‑based decision making and improve the lives of Canadians. In her current role, she oversees strategic initiatives that enhance data access infrastructure, streamline processes and strengthen partnerships across government, academia and the broader research ecosystem. About this Event: Health Data for All of Us: Our Health Data Journey was HDRN Canada's fourth annual hybrid public forum. It brought together researchers, community groups, members of the public and policymakers to engage in thoughtful dialogue about the full spectrum of the health data journey. Featuring speakers representing every stage of the journey, from data collection and management to access and use through to analysis, and knowledge mobilization, the forum offered a unique opportunity to explore how health data practices can drive better health outcomes for all. Land Acknowledgement: This event took place on the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin Nation, the customary keepers and defenders of the Ottawa River Watershed.