Minister Welcomes Privacy Commissioner’s Comments About Openness

Today, the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, responded to recent comments in the media by the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, Ed Ring.

“Commissioner Ring has stated that overall since the implementation of Bill 29, he has not encountered many problems with access to information, stating there is openness here,” said Minister Hutchings. “I welcome the commissioner’s comments. As a government, our objective is to share as much information as possible with citizens while balancing the need to protect personal and private information. We have said all along that this bill strikes that balance.”

Proclaimed in January 2005, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) mandates that a review of the legislation occur within five years and every five years thereafter. The first statutory review of the act was completed by Commissioner John Cummings in 2011 and the bill was proclaimed in June 2012.

Commissioner Ring also stated that of the approximately 600 access requests filed each year, his office does not receive complaints with respect to 80 per cent of those files. Of the remaining 20 per cent, 75 per cent of those are resolved informally through dialogue and discussion between the relevant public body and the Office of Information and Privacy Commissioner. The remainder results in approximately 12 reports a year. Commissioner Ring also added that there is a significantly high compliance rate, 70 per cent, with the recommendations he makes in his reports to the relevant public body.

“In January, I, and officials from the Office of Public Engagement, met with Commissioner Ring,” said Minister Hutchings. “We discussed a number of matters regarding the legislation and privacy issues. I look forward to continuing to work with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner to address any areas of concern.”

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Media contact:
Diana Quinton
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 631-8155
dianaquinton@gov.nl.ca

2013 03 28                             11:30 a.m.