Executive Council
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
April 23, 2015
Improving Access to Information
New Legislation Supports Access and Privacy for Residents
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is moving forward with new legislation that balances the right to access information with the importance of protecting privacy. Bill 1, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was introduced in the House of Assembly today.
“The key to success starts with building a strong foundation. This bill recognizes that access to information is vital to democracy, and it reflects a cultural change within government and public bodies to which we are deeply committed. The review process that led to this legislation gave us an opportunity to address concerns from residents and key stakeholders and bring forward legislation that is truly best in class.”
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
The new bill, based on the ATIPPA Review Committee’s March 2 report, will replace the existing act and will increase the protection of personal information, promote transparency and accountability in municipalities, update the role of the ATIPP Coordinator, and broaden the role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
“Access to information is key to the democratic process. It is of structural importance to any accountable system. You cannot have a proper democracy without the right to access information. The changes that are included in this bill are based on consultation with a range of residents, community representatives, and experts and represents a tremendous step forward – one that will have transformative impacts.”
- Ed Ring, Information and Privacy Commissioner
On March 17, in advance of new ATIPP legislation being tabled in the House of Assembly, government announced early actions that applicants, municipalities, and others can use for more effective access to information. Details of these changes are available at www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2015/exec/0317n06.aspx.
QUICK FACTS
- The Provincial Government is moving forward with progressive changes to legislation that balances the right to access information with the importance of protecting privacy.
- Bill 1, the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act was introduced in the House of Assembly today and is available at www.assembly.nl.ca/business/bills/ga47session4.htm.
- The new bill, based on the ATIPPA Review Committee’s March 2 report, will replace the existing act and will increase the protection of personal information, promote transparency and accountability in municipalities, update the role of the ATIPP Coordinator, and broaden the role of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
- The Provincial Government intends to enact all legislative changes proposed by the Review Committee by June 1, 2015.
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Media contacts:
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Kip Bonnell Communications Manager Office of Public Engagement 709-729-1221, 687-9081 kbonnell@gov.nl.ca | Ed Ring Information and Privacy Commissioner 709-729-6309 |
2015 04 23 3:40 a.m.