Executive Council
March 3, 2015
Improving Access to Information
Provincial Government to Implement Recommendations of the Independent Report on the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
The Provincial Government will implement the recommendations contained within the ATIPPA Review Committee�s Independent Statutory Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is working to quickly develop an implementation plan. The committee conducted a comprehensive review, including examination of amendments made through Bill 29. The report is available at //ope.gov.nl.ca/publications/index.html.
�I thank Mr. Wells, and committee members, Doug Letto and Jennifer Stoddart, along with their staff, for the valuable work they have carried out aimed at strengthening access to information and protection of privacy in Newfoundland and Labrador. The report includes a draft of new ATIPP legislation that we intend to introduce during the Spring sitting of the House of Assembly. I am confident this will become an innovative model for the rest of the country.�
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
Established by the Provincial Government in March 2014, the committee was asked to complete a comprehensive review and achieve a strong framework to support access to information and protection of privacy in Newfoundland and Labrador. Recommendations in the report include a greater emphasis on transparency, broadening the role of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and identifying ways to make the Act more user-friendly.
�The review committee has provided a framework unique to Newfoundland and Labrador that includes important recommendations suggested by residents of this province. When all of the recommendations have been actioned this province will rank amongst the best in the world. We will be moving forward quickly to prepare and announce an implementation plan to make the substance of the report a reality.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
During its review, the committee called on the public to make written or in-person submissions. There were 69 expressions of interests received from individuals and organizations, including the Provincial Government and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner. A total of 51 written submissions were received. Additionally, 122 ATIPP coordinators provided feedback through an anonymous questionnaire.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government will implement the recommendations contained within the ATIPPA Review Committee�s Independent Statutory Review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act and is working to quickly develop an implementation plan.
- The report is available at //ope.gov.nl.ca/publications/index.html.
- The committee was established in March 2014 to conduct a comprehensive review, including an examination of amendments made through Bill 29.
- Recommendations in the report include a greater emphasis on transparency, broadening the role of the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and identifying ways to make the Act more user-friendly.
- The ATIPP Act is required to be reviewed every five years. In 2014, the Provincial Government commenced the review a full year earlier than required by legislation.
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Media contact:
|
Heather Maclean Director of Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3581 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
Donna Ivey Special Assistant, Communications Office of the Premier 709-729-3551, 699-2402 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
| Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca |
2015 03 03 10:10 a.m.