A little over a week ago, Interim Privacy Commissioner Robert Marleau announced his office's decision to withdraw their charter challenge against RCMP video surveillance in Kelowna, BC. I find it interesting that their reason was the expense associated with the appeal. Could this be the first of many corners cut from their first challenge as they stampede toward meeting their second?

* To assure and demonstrate to Canadians that they will continue to receive top-level service in protecting and defending their privacy rights.
* To rebuild and regain the confidence of the Parliament of Canada, as well as our many important stakeholders across the country.
* To help organizations understand their obligations, and citizens their rights, under Canada's new private sector privacy law, which comes fully into effect on January 1, 2004.
[Privacy Commissioner of Canada's home page]

Lord knows Parliament had lots to say about former Privacy Commissioner George Radwanski's spending...

I've heard that Radwanski alienated much of the privacy community over his three (and a bit) years in office. I can't help but be cynical of these sorts of announcements, especially when they're so brief. Repairing some bridges in the west, perhaps? This doesn't bode well for the work of their office.