Bonnie Nelson is the 2015 recipient of the Robert C. Clark Award. The award recognizes a significant contribution to advancing access to information in Alberta.
Ms. Nelson has been a leader in access to information in a number of ways. One example was successfully implementing the first routine disclosure program for Alberta Environment, which helped pave the way for other open data initiatives in the province.
Commissioner Jill Clayton made the announcement today in Edmonton as part of Right to Know Week. Established in 2002 by access to information advocates, Right to Know is a globally celebrated annual event that promotes access to information as a cornerstone of democracy and good governance.
There was particular significance this year as Alberta recognizes 20 years of access and privacy legislation. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act came into force on October 1, 1995.
An independent, three-person panel made up of subject matter experts with extensive experience in the field selected the award recipient. The selection panel members were:
- Catherine Tully, Information and Privacy Commissioner for Nova Scotia
- Ann Cavoukian, Executive Director of the Privacy and Big Data Institute at Ryerson University and former Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario
- Alasdair S. Roberts, Professor of Public Affairs at the Truman School of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri
The award is named after Alberta’s first Information and Privacy Commissioner, Robert (Bob) Clark, who served in that role from 1995 to 2001. Clark led the OIPC through the introduction and expansion of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, while also acting as an educator and advocate for the principles of access to information and privacy.