Executive Council
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
June 1, 2015
Improving Access to Information
New Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Legislation Comes into Force
Legislation that makes the province one of the world�s leading jurisdictions in access to information comes into force today. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 balances the right to access with the importance of protecting privacy.
�The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 is new legislation that will see Newfoundland and Labrador become a leader in Canada and internationally. People need better access to the information held by public bodies and have high expectations about the protection of personal information. This act addresses both of these needs.�
- The Honourable Steve Kent, Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
The legislation contains a number of measures to improve the oversight and user-friendliness of the act, helping to make it the strongest access to information and protection of privacy legislation in Canada. These measures include:
- Shorter timelines and a time-limited review process for access requests;
- Elimination of application costs and reduction of other costs;
- An expanded role for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, including changes to review powers relating to access requests as well as a requirement for public bodies to notify the commissioner of all privacy breaches; and
- Broader circumstances under which individuals can be charged for intentionally breaching an individual�s personal information.
�This new legislation significantly changes the role and the status of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and raises the bar for the rest of the country in terms of openness and transparency. This is a good piece of legislation, with support from many stakeholders, including agreement and consultation with both sides of the House.�
- Ed Ring, Information and Privacy Commissioner
The Provincial Government is also making the access to information application process more user-friendly by launching a new online ATIPP application form to request information from government departments: https://atipp-requests.gov.nl.ca.
The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 is available on the House of Assembly website at //assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/a01-2.htm.
QUICK FACTS
- Legislation that makes the province one of the world�s leading countries in access to information comes into force today. The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 balances the right to access information with the importance of protecting privacy.
- The new legislation makes the province a world leader when it comes to access to information, and balances the right to access with the importance of protecting privacy.
- The new legislation, based on the ATIPPA Review Committee�s independent report, will replace the existing act, 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.
- There is also a new online ATIPP request form: https://atipp-requests.gov.nl.ca.
- Over the past few months, the Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, has been delivering province-wide training for public body ATIPP coordinators, municipalities and government employees; as well as updating access and privacy policy manuals. For additional information, visit: www.atipp.gov.nl.ca.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| 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 06 01 1:50 p.m.