Executive Council
April 1, 2015

Improving Information Management

April is Information Management Month

The Provincial Government is recognizing April as Information Management Month in Newfoundland and Labrador and is committed to the effective management of information. This includes the need for good information management practices as highlighted in the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) Review Committee�s report.

�Knowing and practising effective information management is important in our society given the types of information we collect and create as a government. Good information management policies are critical to ensure the protection of this information and to allow citizens the ability to access the information they require. It also supports our Open Government Initiative.�
- The Honourable Ross Wiseman, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer

Under the Management of Information Act, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) provides public bodies with guidance on how to effectively manage government information. In order to practise good information management individuals should:

• Process information as it arrives by either filing or shredding/destroying it;
• Understand legal requirements and retention schedules that impact how long records must be kept;
• Set up a basic �filing system� for both paper and electronic records;
• Avoid keeping records with no long-term or legal value;
• Complete regular back-ups of electronic records and computer applications; and
• Destroy appropriate paper and electronic records securely.

�As the Provincial Government recognizes Information Management Month, it is fitting that we will also be moving forward this month with legislative changes designed to strengthen the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Government must balance the right to access information with the need to protect privacy. We are committed to creating awareness and enhancing practices for managing and protecting information across government departments and agencies.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement

The OCIO provides advice and has policies in place to guide Provincial Government employees in managing the large volume of information collected. These policies are being promoted during Information Management Month and throughout the year through e-learning courses, targeted information and education sessions and information management handouts. For additional information on these activities and other good information management practices, please visit www.ocio.gov.nl.ca.

QUICK FACTS

• Since 1995, April has been recognized internationally as Records and Information Management Month.
• The Office of the Chief Information Officer is guided by the Management of Information Act and related policy and guidelines to manage and protect records that document and inform the business and policies of government.
• For additional information on good information management practices please visit www.ocio.gov.nl.ca.

- 30 -

Media contacts:

Vanessa Colman-Sadd Director of Communications Office of the Chief Information Officer 709-729-1495, 682-6593 vanessacolmansadd@gov.nl.ca

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

2015 04 01                             1:20 p.m.