INQ Consulting

Managing Principal and Co-Founder

Owner and operator of a legal and management consulting firm specializing in the development and delivery of privacy consulting services to public and private sector clients.

Principal Consultant

INQ Law

Partner

University of Toronto

Co-teaching the Privacy and Data Governance course in the Global Professional LLM program.

Adjunct Professor

University of Windsor Faculty of Law

Instructor for the inaugural Privacy Law in Canada course.

Sessional Instructor

Cancer Care Ontario

Directed Privacy and Access Office for multi-billion dollar Provincial agency, tasked with ensuring privacy of personal health information of Ontarians under its prescribed statuses under the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004, and compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Accomplishments include:

Led drafting and ensured adherence to Data Sharing Agreements, resulting in increased compliance with terms by Informatics department and streamlining of process.

Managed relationship with external stakeholders with respect to privacy and access, including IPC, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, ICES, CIHI, POGO, hospitals, and other data partners.

Strengthened governance and accountability by establishing a Privacy Risk and Compliance managerial function, establishing privacy governance bodies across the organisation, and developing performance reporting for both privacy services as well as privacy office performance.

Director, Privacy and Access

Chief Privacy Officer (Acting)

Retirement Homes Regulatory Authority

Chief Of Staff

Courtyard Group

Led the operations of the Access to Care (ATC) Portfolio Office, which involved directing the work of other Portfolio Office resources, providing strategic direction to ATC Director, creating and coordinating the creation briefings and presentations, liaising with key stakeholders,  risk management, and ensuring visibility into procurement across the ATC Portfolio.  Primary focus: ER/ALC Information Strategy.  
Co-facilitated a strategic retreat with the Executive Directors of the 14 CCACs to set the foundation for a new eHealth strategy for the OACCAC
Managed a capacity review of the HSAP Division of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to assess the capacity of the Division to deliver on key priorities of the government, the Minister, the Deputy Minister and the HSAP Assistant Deputy Minister over three years – resulted in the delivery of a roadmap of priority objectives for the Assistant Deputy Minister
Managed the identification of future needs and assessment of gaps in services/programs for the Ontario Regional Cancer Programs - final report outlined actionable recommendations to advance the progress of the regional cancer programs across Ontario 
Led the development of an organizational review of SIMS at UHN, presenting practical advice to senior executives 
Selected to work directly with Managing Partner to develop corporate strategy for an international organization with over $30M in revenue 
Conceived and implemented a contract management process and delegation policy for an international consulting
Helped manage risks of a growth organization through the development of a Privacy Policy.  Acted as Deputy Privacy Officer, supporting Canada, the US and the UK
Led the annual operational planning process of an international company, managing all senior partners in the creation of their client account plans, budgets, and targets
Coached and mentored junior analysts on leadership development and solutions to address specific client engagements

Consultant

-	Contributed to the research and writing on an edited volume on health and human rights
-	Collaborated with a team of lawyers in the development of a skills building workshop for the 2006 International AIDS Conference, which was well-received by participants
-	Annotated recent case law and developed materials for the national and International approaches to Reproductive and Sexual Health Law class at the University of Toronto Faculty of Law, which continues to be used

Reproductive and Sexual Health Law Fellow

Heenan Blaikie LLP

	Conducted research regarding privacy issues, actively participated in corporate transaction closings, summarized contracts, reviewed scripts and films for copyright and trademark infringements, participated in due diligence processes, reviewed corporate by-laws and minute books, and translated contracts from French to English
	Investigated human rights issues in labour and employment law; authored papers regarding the duty to accommodate, globalization and international trade agreements, summarized case law for newsletters, drafted termination letters and researched memos analyzing legal issues such as insubordination, fraud, strikes and lockouts, pension benefits and occupational health and safety
	Wrote memoranda on topics including the enforcement of oral contracts, quantifying damages for loss of vision, and various issues under the Employment Standards Act
	Drafted settlement letters, assignments of copyright, and reviewed shareholder agreements and leases

Articling Student

CTV News

Played an integral role in a major transaction by managing the acquisition of documents, preparing the data room, while supervising the performance of, and contributing to, the due diligence process
Researched memoranda including issues regarding the scope of PIPEDA

Summer Student

I make privacy program management simple

Samara is a results-oriented strategic privacy leader, lawyer and consultant, who leverages operational privacy leadership experience into practical strategies for program and project success. Samara is the founder of Drawbridge Consulting.

For Drawbridge, privacy is our business. We believe that “privacy” means individual control over decisions made about data, not complete secrecy. We ask the right questions. 

We understand the importance of good governance and criteria-based decision-making about personal information. We know that strong practical organizational privacy practices reduce risk. We enable access to data using privacy best practices for both private and public sector clients, from IT implementations that help your company’s efficiency to research and innovation technologies that improve health outcomes. 

Samara can be contacted at samarastarkman@drawbridgeconsulting.com
Http://www.drawbridgeconsulting.com

Samara Starkman

The Barrington Consulting Group

Associate Partner

As a credentialed privacy professional, change manager, project manager, and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and with a Master's degree in English, I assist senior leaders in developing and executing strategy, ensuring privacy of sensitive data, and leading organizational change. 

I've worked with Nova Scotia Power, Halifax Water, the Nova Scotia Department of Community Services, DHXMedia, Vital Statistics, the Halifax Port Authority, and other organizations to assess privacy needs, advance organizational goals, prepare for change, and create solid strategies.

Senior Consultant

Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education

I worked with the Planning, Research, and Accountability Division, primarily responsible for the Department's Evaluation Committee and an internal policy review.

Policy Analyst

As a policy analyst, I led the review of legislation, advised senior leaders on legal requirements and potential improvements, and prepared consultation documents. I also directed the review and creation of internal policies to ensure alignment with legislation and the Agency’s strategic orientation for 2015/2016. 

I managed Nova Scotia’s commitments to the Atlantic Apprenticeship Harmonization project by working with provincial counterparts and translating high-level harmonization goals to actionable tasks. This is a significant initiative with trades to be harmonized over the next five years.

I wasthe project lead for the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and Framework which included leading a Steering Committee of stakeholders and experts and overseeing our consultant’s contractual obligations to deliver work on time and on budget. 

I directed the creation of regular and ad hoc reports for the CEO, Board, stakeholders, Trade Advisory Committees, and Trade Sector Councils by Agency staff. I also managed the evaluation component of the Agency’s Strategic Plan Evaluation and the Employer Engagement Evaluation which are tools for assessing the success of this initiative. 

As a strategically-oriented thinker, I worked with a team of three staff to create the Social Media Strategy and the Employer Engagement Strategy. In addition, I directed the 2015-2016 Business Plan.

Policy Analyst, Industry Relations

Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia

During this one year secondment, I quickly learned the Workers’ Compensation Act, the workplace culture, and the role of policy within the organization to provide policy research and advice.  I revised the Noise Induced Hearing Loss Policy after the second phase of consultations to take into account employer, worker, and stakeholder concerns. I then prepared and delivered training to adjudication staff on applying the new process and provided ongoing advice on complex claim decisions. 

I was instrumental in advancing the organization’s goals of increasing client satisfaction through transparency by translating a large portion of the Workers’ Compensation Act into plain language. This guide is used by decision-writers in communicating with clients when denying or accepting a claim so that the client can understand the reason for the decision. 

I also drafted a number of position statements that advanced the policy agenda by providing decision frameworks for case managers who adjudicate complex claims.

I coordinated the Minister’s weekly policy briefings, coordinated the First Contract Arbitration consultation feedback document, and I created legislative cabinet documents for the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Labour Standards Division, and the Safety Branch.

I was instrumental in fostering strong working relationships to lead the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Regulation Committee Sub-Committee. These professionals were tasked with updating a number of safety regulations to align with best practices, new technologies, and safety trends while balancing employer and employee interests and advancing worker safety. 

I directed Privacy Impact Assessments for every major project in the department, integrating requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act with risk mitigation measures.

I lead the Wellness @ Work Committee that undertook a number of health initiatives to advance Total Worker HealthTM.

I applied my leadership skills in mentoring a policy intern. I provided resources, advice, and expertise as required to ensure that she was successful in her work term and gained the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to produce excellent results and gain further employment.

As an active leader in GoverNEXT (the organization for new and young public servants), I co-lead the Policy and Partnerships Task Team and co-lead the most significant policy and research project undertaken by the organization: a challenge from Deputy Minister David Darrow to recommend ways to improve the public service. Through this project, I directed three task teams, reached and involved 400 members, coordinated consultation events, and produced a document with 10 recommendations using an ‘open source’ structure that culminated in a presentation to the Associate Deputy Ministers and to the Deputy Ministers’ Round Table. A number of these initiatives are now in place through the Public Service Commission.

I coordinated the Deputy Minister’s Senior Leadership meetings, which included taking an official Record of Decisions and Action Items as well as logistical considerations.

I undertook a self-study of regulation and cabinet processes and drafted legislative documents, in particular those relating to the appointment of Agency, Board, and Committee members and assisted with research when required. 

I co-led the department’s United Way campaign that involved the management of 40 volunteers to deliver 35 fundraising events over 3 months. This coordinated and aligned initiative resulted in an 11% increase in donations over the previous year despite a 100 FTE reduction in the department. 

I supported the H1N1 Situation Room during the pandemic by taking a Record of Decisions at the daily morning meeting and managing the official H1N1 communications that were sent to nurses and doctors, Occupational Health and Safety organizations, and other stakeholders.

Administrative Assistant

Camp Wenonah

Over the course of 9 summers I held a variety of jobs including leading school groups in 3 day programs, taking children aged 9-14 on overnight canoe trips, planning and coordinating activities for  up to 250 children, overseeing the girls counselling staff, skill instruction (including rock climbing, canoeing, sailing, and guitar lessons), continual risk assessment and management, and  office administration.

Various (Section Director, Canoe Trip Leader, Counsellor, Office Coordinator)

Government of British Columbia

I worked with a consultant to implement a records management system. This project necessitated forming positive relationships with staff members given the territorial and sensitive nature of ownership in relation to work. To implement the retention schedule, I interviewed each staff member in three divisions to learn the nature of their work, anticipating the records needs of the branch, testing and revising the draft policy, and ensuring alignment with best practices and legal requirements.

Records Analyst

I am a privacy leader. In my daily work I...
- set up privacy offices and programs,
- lead privacy impact assessment,
- manage risks, and
- prevent privacy breaches.

Current and recent projects include 911 privacy risks, health information system privacy assessments, and privacy program maturation.

Linda Bolton M.A., FIP

I'm thrilled to be speaking with incredibly accomplished women about AI and the workforce this week - I hope to see you there!

🚀 Hey Halifax we're excited announce our speakers for our upcoming roundtable event this Thursday on 𝐀𝐈 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞: 𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈🌟

🌐 Date: Nov 13, 2025
 📍 Location: Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub, 1625 Grafton Street
13th Floor, SouthTower Halifax 
 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🔗 Link to register: https://lnkd.in/gnnewPDA?

Join Women in AI Halifax for an engaging two-hour roundtable (6–8 PM) designed to spark meaningful, human-centered conversations about the role of AI across industries.

🙌 This roundtable event is hosted by our Women in AI Canada Halifax city lead ★ Nancy Eke-Agu AIGP, CAITL, PMI-RMP, PMP!

𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙧𝙨:
✨ Linda Bolton M.A., FIP - Associate Partner at The Barrington Consulting Group, leading the Privacy and Information Security practice

✨Prof. Rita Orji, PhD - Computer Science Professor at Dalhousie University, and Canada Research Chair in Persuasive Technology

✨Jennifer LaPlante - Deputy Minister of the Department of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions for the Government of Nova Scotia.

✨Joyce Lafleur (Leung) - Director of Solution Engineering Management at Microsoft

✨Rachana Malkani, MBA, PMP®, ITIL® - Delivery Project Executive, IBM Consulting

Stay tuned for more in depth bios about our speakers 👩‍💻💪
Don’t miss this chance to connect and shape the future of AI with us! 🤝

This event is led by Women in AI Canada Halifax Team Lead Nancy Eke-Agu AIGP, CAITL, PMI-RMP, PMP

#WomenInAI #WomeninAICanada #wai #waicanada #AIJobs #TechCommunity #Networking #ResponsibleAI #HalifaxEvents #WomenInTech #AIInnovation #Leadership #Halifax #AtlanticCanada #AIForGood

taplio

The Battle

Samara Starkman

Linda Bolton M.A., FIP

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance ScoreLinda Bolton M.A., FIP's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

taplio

The Battle

Samara Starkman

Linda Bolton M.A., FIP

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}Linda Bolton M.A., FIP's LinkedIn Performance

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?

Performance ScoreLinda Bolton M.A., FIP's LinkedIn Performance