Commissioner Appointed for Review of
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

The Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, today announced that John Cummings, Q.C. has been appointed to review the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA). The review will provide the public, interested parties and others affected by the act an opportunity to make representation on the future direction of the legislation, including possible amendments.

"The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is extremely important legislation for both residents of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Provincial Government," said Minister Collins. "This act guides public bodies, such as government departments and agencies, in the collection, use and disclosure of personal information of residents and also allows the public access to information within the custody and control of public bodies."

Proclaimed in January 2005, the ATIPPA mandates in section 74 that a review of the legislation be commenced within five years. The Provincial Government is committed to a comprehensive review which seeks the input of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador pertaining to their experiences with the legislation, including revisions they may suggest.

"Mr. Cummings will hold consultation sessions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and provide the opportunity for both public and written submissions," said Minister Collins. "I encourage everyone, no matter if they have availed of this legislation or not, to attend these sessions, provide input or simply learn more about this important legislation."

Through an extensive legal career and senior public service, Mr. Cummings has a varied background which provides him with a strong knowledge base not only to conduct these public sessions but to analyze the comments and opinions received. Once the public sessions are concluded, Mr. Cummings will present all submissions received, along with his recommendations, to the Provincial Government. These recommendations and submissions are due November 30, 2010, and will be reviewed by the Department of Justice. Dates for public consultations and the process for making written submissions to the review will be made public in the near future.

"Our government is committed to openness and accountability and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act is a critical function of this commitment, along with being an important protection and access tool for the public," concluded Minister Collins. "I look forward to reviewing submissions from the public, along with the recommendations of Mr. Cummings."

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Media contact:
Ken Morrissey
Director of Communications
Department of Justice
709-729-6985, 685-6612
kenmorrissey@gov.nl.ca 

BACKGROUNDER
Biography

John Cummings has extensive experience working in the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, serving 29 years in the Department of Justice and Executive Council. His tenure included positions as Clerk of the Executive Council and Deputy Minister of Justice. Most recently, he served as Fellow of James G. Channing Chair in Public Administration at Memorial University. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1998 and holds a bachelor of laws degree from Dalhousie University.
 

2010 03 17                                                  11:30 a.m.