Norton Rose Fulbright lawyer becomes chair of Canadian Bar Association’s Privacy and Access Law Section

Norton Rose Fulbright counsel Alexis Kerr, who joined the firm’s Vancouver litigation practice last month, has assumed the position of chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s (CBA) Privacy and Access Law Section for a one-year term.

The CBA’s national section has a critical mandate to review and influence privacy and access-to-information law, advocating for needed legislative and law reform  as the realities of data sharing and data management continue to evolve in step with technological innovation. The section regularly makes submissions to the Canadian government and regulators on behalf of the CBA.  It also educates the profession on access to information and privacy law issues through its annual symposium, webinars and newsletter. 

Last fall, Kerr appeared on behalf of the CBA to comment as an expert witness before the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs in its deliberations on Bill C-58, An Act to amend the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. 

Kerr joined Norton Rose Fulbright from British Columbia’s largest health authority, where she acted as general counsel for seven of her 12 years with the agency and oversaw its risk, privacy and access-to-information groups.

At the firm, she leads the national healthcare group and advises clients in the healthcare industry and in other sectors where privacy and data protection are an increasingly pressing concern.

Regarding her role as CBA section chair and within the firm, Kerr commented:

“Without a doubt, this is the most interesting time to be at the forefront of all that is happening in the privacy and cybersecurity space. The recent rise of AI, Big Data and other technological innovations, accompanied by the unfortunate growth in cybercrime, raise practical, legal and ethical issues that are equal parts challenging and exciting to tackle.”

Janet Grove, the head of the firm’s life sciences practice and managing partner of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Vancouver office, said:

“Alexis has the rare combination of a deep knowledge in both health law and privacy law, and the intersection of the two. Not only does Alexis have a wealth of practical experience managing some of the most complex health and privacy law issues from her work in the Canadian healthcare system, her appointment as chair of the CBA’s Privacy and Access Law Section is a testament to that experience and a reflection of the high regard to which she is held by her peers.”

For further information, please contact:

Caroline Arbour, Editorial Advisor
Tel: +1 (514) 847-4723
caroline.arbour@nortonrosefulbright.com