Review of Freedom of Information Act underway

Joan Dawe, chair of the Province�s Freedom of Information Review Committee, has outlined the progress and work plan of the Committee. The Review Committee was appointed by the provincial government to review and make recommendations, by July 2001, on all aspects of the Freedom of Information Act. Other members of the Committee are Dennis Brown, Siobhan Coady and Dr. Len Williams.

"The Committee has met on a number of occasions, and is in the process of completing a review of the province's Freedom of Information Act and Regulations," said Ms. Dawe. "We are also assessing similar legislation from other provinces, as well as the federal government�s act and regulations.

"As part of the review process, we are soliciting submissions, written and oral, from interested groups and individuals wishing to make representation on the legislation," added Ms. Dawe.

A series of public meetings will be held across the province to provide an opportunity for interested parties to share their views with the Committee. Dates and locations for the public meetings will be announced shortly. A request for written submissions has already been made and those interested should respond by March 16, 2001.

The Committee has met with the NDP Leader, and in the coming weeks the Committee looks forward to meeting with representatives of Government and the Progressive Conservative Caucus, to obtain their views and recommendations on the legislation.

Consideration will be given to all aspects of the legislation, including a new review mechanism, its composition and powers, appropriate exemptions from disclosure of the Act, appropriate response times, and how to deal with new forms of communication.

Those requiring further information or wishing to make a submission should contact the Committee at:

Freedom of Information Review Committee
2^nd Floor, Beothuck Building
20 Crosbie Place
St. John�s, NF
A1B 3Y8
Telephone: (709) 729-1622
Facsimile: (709) 729-0478
E-mail: foirc@mail.gov.nf.ca

2001 02 13                                                                      2:45 p.m.