Government’s Action on Disclosure Reflects Principles of Right to Know Week

The Provincial Government is making more information available to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, with many steps taken to ensure this information is easily accessible. In recognition of Right to Know Week (September 23-28), the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the Office of Pubic Engagement, says the wealth of information now online supports government’s commitment to being open and accountable.

“As part of the process of proactive disclosure, officials from the Office of Public Engagement have been meeting with all departments to identify information that could be posted online and, ultimately, result in better informed citizens and stakeholders,” said Minister Hutchings. “These discussions have been very productive. We are not only releasing more information through proactive disclosure, but by posting it online we are making it easily accessible.”

Highlights of government’s proactive disclosure initiatives this year include; bridge inspection reports for all bridges throughout the province, information on K-12 school repairs and maintenance, including departmental project approvals and expenditures, the School Transportation Review, year to date tourism highlights and statistics, restaurant inspection reports, departmental salary details, annual reports of governing bodies for each of the regulated health professions, and, most recently, fact sheets and statistics from the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services. All proactive disclosure initiatives can viewed on department websites and at: www.ope.gov.nl.ca/openinfo/proactive_disclosures.html. 

Since the creation of the Office of Public Engagement last October, government has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at increasing access to information. Newfoundland and Labrador is the only province that posts online the responses to all general access to information requests. Since January, more than 200 requests for general information have been responded to by government departments, and all can be viewed at: www.atipp.gov.nl.ca/info/completed/index.html. Also, Orders in Council, while previously available through request, are now posted online in their entirety at: www.exec.gov.nl.ca/exec/cabinet/oic/index.html. 

“We will continue to ensure that documents that are of interest to and requested by the public are accessible, while balancing the need to protect certain sensitive information such as personal information and third party business information,” said Minister Hutchings. “And, as always, we welcome input from citizens and encourage people to contact us.”

Questions and comments can be directed to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office at atippoffice@gov.nl.ca or through the Office of Public Engagement website - www.ope.gov.nl.ca/.

Right to Know Week is held each year to raise awareness of an individual’s right to access government information, while promoting freedom of information as essential to both democracy and good governance. Right to Know Day is being celebrated in over 40 nations worldwide on September 28.

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Media contact:
Kristina George
Communications Manager
Office of Public Engagement
709-729-1221; 687-9081
kristinageorge@gov.nl.ca 

2013 09 23                                4:30 p.m.