Executive Council
March 17, 2015

Improving Access to Information

Provincial Government Announces Further Actions to Strengthen Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

The Honourable Steve Kent, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement, announced today that the Provincial Government has taken further action to implement recommendations and suggestions contained within the ATIPPA Review Committee�s March 2 report. The actions, which are in effect or being made effective today, will make improvements to government policies that applicants, municipalities, and others can use for more effective access to information, in advance of new ATIPP legislation being tabled in the House of Assembly.

The Provincial Government intends to enact all legislative changes proposed in the report by June 1, 2015.

�Today, we are moving forward and announcing further actions designed to improve access to information and protection of privacy for all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The ATIPPA Review Committee provided the Provincial Government with the strongest possible framework for access to information and protection of privacy � and we want the public to benefit from these recommendations as soon as possible.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

The new actions include removing the practice by Provincial Government departments of having MHAs and political staff go through executive assistants on constituent matters, directing departments and government bodies to report all privacy breaches to the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner and Office of Public Engagement, providing a toll-free helpline for general enquiries relating to ATIPP, and protecting the identity of applicants during access to information requests.

To speak to a representative at the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office, call 1-877-895-8891 (toll-free). For additional information, visit: www.atipp.gov.nl.ca.

QUICK FACTS

• The Provincial Government is taking further action to implement recommendations and suggestions contained within the ATIPPA Review Committee�s March 2 report.
• The actions, which are in effect or being made effective today, will make improvements to government policies that applicants, municipalities, and others can utilize for more effective access to information, in advance of new ATIPP legislation being tabled in the House of Assembly.
• The Provincial Government intends to enact all legislative changes proposed in the report by June 1, 2015.
• The announcement follows government�s elimination last week of the $5 fee for access to information requests and update of the fee schedule.
• To speak to a representative at the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office, call 1-877-895-8891 (toll-free). For additional information, visit: www.atipp.gov.nl.ca. 

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• Ministerial Statement - Premier Provides Update on Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Media contact:

Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca

2015 03 17                              2:25 p.m.