# British Columbia government employee directory removal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-government-employee-directory-removal
> Updated: 2026-08-26T00:49:55.000Z. Sources: 63. Developments: 2.

The British Columbia Citizens’ Services Ministry disabled the province’s public online employee directory, a service existing since at least 1930. The government cited cybersecurity threats, such as phishing and the use of AI to harvest information, as the primary motivation for the decision, which followed advice from law enforcement partners including the RCMP.

While the ministry plans to implement a replacement directory featuring contact information for senior executives and various ministries, the move has faced criticism. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses and Information and Privacy Commissioner Michael Harvey raised concerns regarding government transparency and accountability. Commissioner Harvey described the removal as “regrettable,” noting the risk of employees being “doxxed” while emphasizing that public bodies should maintain a “human face.” Critics have further argued that the move creates a “fortress mentality” that hinders communication between citizens and officials.

Following the removal, Commissioner Harvey launched an official inquiry to evaluate the validity of the cited security risks. The investigation aims to address concerns that the lack of a functional replacement could erode public trust, and the Commissioner’s office intends to issue a public report with recommendations to balance cybersecurity needs with democratic transparency. Additionally, critics have pointed to the shutdown as an example of increasing secrecy and red tape by the BC NDP, arguing it contradicts promises to restore open government.

## Claims

- The removal of the staff directory was intended to prevent phishing attempts. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The removal of the directory without a replacement is a serious transparency issue that could erode public trust. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner has launched an inquiry into the removal of the government staff directory. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The ministry plans to release a replacement directory containing contact details only for assistant deputy ministers and higher-ranking officials. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The privacy commissioner's office will issue a public report with recommendations on maximizing transparency. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Removing public access to the directory without a replacement is a serious transparency issue that could erode public trust. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The B.C. Information and Privacy Commissioner has launched an inquiry into the removal of the provincial government staff directory. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The ministry plans to release a replacement directory that will only list contact details for assistant deputy ministers and higher-ranking officials. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- The privacy commissioner's office will issue a public report containing recommendations on maximizing transparency. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- Forests Minister Ravi Parmar stated the new system will help shape the future of forestry. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The new forestry system will feature three types of zones: conservation/protection, multiple-use, and working forest. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The plan includes a 'no net loss provision' for the managed forest. (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-26: British Columbia to pilot new forestry zone-based management system

British Columbia will pilot a new zone-based forestry management system to simplify operations, improve timber access, and enhance wildfire mitigation through conservation and working forest zones.

49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/b-c-privacy-commissioner-investigates-removal-of-government-staff-directory

### 2026-08-18: British Columbia disables public government employee directory

British Columbia has disabled its public government employee directory, citing cybersecurity risks and phishing threats, despite concerns from privacy officials regarding transparency and accountability.

50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-disables-public-access-to-government-employee-directory

---
Cite as: British Columbia government employee directory removal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/british-columbia-government-employee-directory-removal