Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
September 21, 2016

Right to Know (RTK) Week 2016

For the 11th year in a row, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) is joining with other information and privacy commissioners from across the country in celebrating national Right to Know (RTK) Week from September 26 to 30.

This week recognizes the importance of the public right to access information of government and other public bodies. In Newfoundland and Labrador the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015) ensures accountable government by requiring openness, accessibility and transparency. In regards to personal health information, citizens can also access their own personal information via the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

Access to information provides individuals with the knowledge to address public issues, scrutinize government and become active participants in the democratic process. It has revealed and clarified the basis for government decisions, disclosed environmental and health dangers and shed light on error, mismanagement and illegal activities. Access to information has also required improved records management, prompted routine disclosure of information and the duty to assist the public, and resulted in better and more effective government service.

The new Information and Privacy Commissioner, Donovan Molloy Q.C. will be speaking at MUN on September 30 on ATIPPA, 2015 Our Experience So Far. This talk will be held at 3:00 p.m. in SN-3042 (Science Building at MUN).

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Media contact:

Suzanne Hollett Senior Access and Privacy Analyst 709-729-6309

2016 09 21                              12:05 p.m.