Executive Council
April 2, 2014
Open and Accountable
Government Committed to Full Statutory Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
The majority of members of the legislature defeated a private member’s motion today regarding the immediate repealing of Bill 29. During debate, the Provincial Government highlighted the importance of balanced access to information, and reiterated the commitment to review the entire Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act as amended by Bill 29.
“We have listened to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and understand that there are concerns in relation to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. That is why we have started the statutory review of the act a year before it is required with the selection of a highly qualified committee including Clyde Wells, a former Chief Justice, who is serving as chair, Jennifer Stoddart, a former Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and Doug Letto, an experienced local journalist. We have every confidence in these individuals, and look forward to receiving their findings, which we will take very seriously. We don’t want to preempt or undermine their work by making amendments before their recommendations and advice is known.”
- The Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The statutory review is one of a number of ongoing initiatives which demonstrate that government is listening and responding to the views of residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. In March, the Provincial Government also launched the Open Government Initiative, which will provide increased access to government information and data, and will offer residents a new opportunity to shape policy and decision-making. In addition, in the Speech from the Throne, government committed to moving forward this year to advance the province’s first whistleblower legislation for provincial public body employees.
“By reviewing all aspects of the legislation instead of focusing only on the amendments made in 2012, we will gain valuable insight from the public which will enable us to create stronger access to information and protection of privacy legislation for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
QUICK FACTS
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Media contacts:
Milly Brown Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3960 millybrown@gov.nl.ca |
Tracey Boland Press Secretary Office of the Premier 709-729-4304, 697-3128 traceyboland@gov.nl.ca |
Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
2014 04 02 7:25 p.m.