The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) joins with other information and privacy commissioners from across the country and around the world in celebrating Right to Know (RTK) Week from September 24 to 30. Various activities have been planned in recognition of RTK week; details are outlined on the OIPC website: www.oipc.nl.ca/events/right-to-know-week .

On Monday, September 24, the OIPC will be hosting a panel discussion: How to Strengthen the Right to Know Without Hindering Decision-Making Processes. The panelists will be: Information and Privacy Commissioner Donovan Molloy, Q.C.; Rob Antle, CBC; Associate Professor Kelly Blidook and Rosemary Thorne, University Access and Privacy Advisor, Memorial University. The discussion will be held from 7-9pm in Room A1046 of Memorial University’s Arts and Administration Building.

RTK Week recognizes the importance of the right of access to information held by government and other public bodies. In Newfoundland and Labrador the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015) provides a right of access to information which enables the public to meaningfully participate in the democratic process by holding government accountable. Members of the public can also access their own personal health information via the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

On a national and international basis, access to information discloses environmental and health dangers and sheds light on errors, mismanagement and illegal activities. Access to information has also required improved records management, prompted routine disclosure of information and resulted in better and more effective government service.

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Media contact
Sean Murray
Director of Research and Quality Assurance
(709) 729-6309