The Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ed Ring, has released his Report A-2008-008 under authority of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. A summary of the Report is included below.

To view the Report in its entirety, please go to //www.oipc.gov.nl.ca/reports.htm

Report: A-2008-008
Report Date: May 23, 2008
Public Body: Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development

Summary: The Applicant applied under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (the "ATIPPA") for access to records relating to a proposal made to the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (the "Department") for funding for the continued development of a golf course. The Department allowed access to some of the information contained in the records but denied access to certain information claiming exceptions under sections 18, 20(1), 24(1), 27, and 30(1) of the ATTIPA. The Commissioner concluded that the Department could not rely on the exception in section 24 because it had not submitted any evidence or argument in support of its reliance on this exception. Also, the Commissioner found that the Department could deny access to certain information on the basis of section 18 when that information would, if disclosed, permit the reader to draw accurate inferences about Cabinet deliberations. However, the Commissioner determined that much of the information to which the Department denied access on the basis of section 18 should be released to the Applicant. In addition, the Commissioner concluded that certain information could be withheld by the Department on the basis of sections 20(1), 27, and 30(1). Finally, the Commissioner commented on the fact that the Department did not provide a written submission in support of its reliance on the claimed exceptions and recommended that in future Requests for Review the Department either indicate that it is abandoning reliance on a claimed exception or provide a written submission in support of its continued reliance on the exception.

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Media contact:
Ed Ring
Information and Privacy Commissioner
709-729-6309

2008 06 05                                                1:40 p.m.