Executive Council
January 30, 2014

Premier Announces Independent Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Demonstrating a commitment to openness and accountability, the Provincial Government will conduct the statutory review outlined in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA), as amended by Bill 29, with the appointment of an independent committee. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador.

“There is a mandatory review outlined in the ATIPP legislation and in response to public concerns about the amendments to the legislation made by Bill 29, we want to get the process underway immediately. We will appoint an independent review committee and ask it to hold public hearings. We invite the general public, experts, businesses, labour and others to make their views known as part of this process. If people have specific areas of concern, we want to hear them.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

In the coming days, the Provincial Government will establish an independent review committee. The committee, consisting of three individuals, will submit a report to government. The final report and all recommendations will be made available to the public and government will consider all recommendations it receives.

“We continue to seek opportunities to improve access to information for the citizens of this province. It is important that we reaffirm our commitment to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians through this review, because openness, transparency and accountability are key pillars of the Provincial Government.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

Further details on the consultation process will be made available in the coming weeks.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to open and transparent government and to engaging youth, the volunteer sector, families and communities to build a vibrant and prosperous province.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government will conduct the statutory review outlined in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA)
• Proclaimed in January 2005, the ATIPPA mandates in Section 74 that a review of the legislation be commenced every five years.
• Further details on the consultation process will be made available in the coming weeks.

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2014 01 30                                        4:15 p.m.