This week the Canadian Newspaper Association (CNA)
released its 2009-10 National Freedom of Information Audit and awarded
Newfoundland and Labrador a B- grade. Each year the CNA releases an
audit of responses to freedom of information requests made to provinces,
the Federal Government, municipalities and this year included
universities.
"The grade of B- from the Canadian Newspaper
Association further demonstrates that the Government of Newfoundland and
Labrador is open and accountable to the people of our province," said
the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
"The Provincial Government ranked high in disclosure to the requests of
the auditors and as well, ranked second best among the provinces in
responding within the nationally accepted period of 30 days to freedom
of information requests."
The CNA requested information from all provincial
governments in Canada related to use of cell phones by transportation
departments, receipts and reimbursements of premiers or designates to
attend the 2009 annual premiers' meeting in Regina, electronic lists of
freedom of information requests received by justice departments, H1N1
communications materials and education department's plans for dealing
with H1N1. The CNA audit assigned the B- grade on a points system based
upon responses to these requests, including the type of disclosure,
length of time to respond and fee estimates provided by the respondents.
The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy
Act is the legislation in Newfoundland and Labrador under which
requests for information are made and was used by the CNA for this
audit. Currently, this legislation is undergoing a statutory review as
per section 74 of the act and public input is being sought by review
commissioner John Cummings, Q.C.
"The Access to Information and Protection of
Privacy Act is important legislation for our province and this audit
clearly indicates this legislation is working for the people of
Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Collins. "I look forward to
the submissions of the public and to receiving the final report of
Commissioner Cummings and his recommendations pertaining to this
legislation."
"The Williams Government has a strong record of
openness and accountability which includes establishing the Office of
the Information and Privacy Commissioner, introducing the House of
Assembly Accountability, Integrity and Administration Act, as well
as the Lobbyist Registration Act and the Transparency and
Accountability Act," said Minister Collins. "Our government is
committed to acting in the best interests of the people of Newfoundland
and Labrador and that includes ensuring open and timely access to
information which they request."
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