Government releases report on Freedom of Information Act review

Premier Roger Grimes and Justice Minister Kelvin Parsons today released the report of the committee formed to review and make recommendations on all aspects of the Freedom of Information Act.

"I want to congratulate the committee chair Joan Dawe and the other committee members, Siobhan Coady, Dr. Len Williams and Dennis Brown, for undertaking this comprehensive review," said Premier Grimes. "Their review included a public consultation process and this report reflects the outcome of that consultation."

"Government will now consider the report, which includes an extensive examination of the act and regulations, and makes recommendations on its structure, mandate and time frames," said Minister Parsons. "We will review these recommendations and move forward with the legislation in the fall session of the House of Assembly."

The Freedom of Information Act was enacted in 1981 and there have been no major changes to the legislation since that time. "While the act was considered a pioneering piece of legislation at the time, in the past 20 years there have been major changes in how we manage information and new technology has changed how we communicate," said Minister Parsons. "We want to ensure that our legislation remains clear and relevant in this new age of information."

"The Freedom of Information Act review is part of our continued commitment to ensure a greater level of openness and accountability within government," said Premier Grimes. "It gives the people of Newfoundland and Labrador another means by which they can hold government accountable for its actions."

Download the Document
Striking the Balance - Report of the Freedom of Information Review Committee - Volume 1(PDF)

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960
Edwina Bateman, Communications, Justice, (709) 729-6985.

2001 07 19                                 2:15 p.m.