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 actively promoting Right to Know (RTK) Week from September 27 to October 1. RTK Week in Canada evolved from International Right to Know Day, September 28, which has been marked around the world since 2002.

RTK Week recognizes the importance of the right of access to information held by government and other public bodies. Freedom of information is essential to both democracy and good governance. Access to information provides individuals with knowledge to address public issues, scrutinize government and become active participants in the democratic process.

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).

“The number of access requests being processed by public bodies remains high and the 2020 statutory review of ATIPPA, 2015, chaired by the Honourable David Orsborn, attracted feedback from citizens and stakeholders,” says Commissioner Harvey. “We are pleased to see the number of individuals interested in and using the access to information system. The past year has been a challenging one for all public bodies in the province due to the COVID 19 pandemic, but I am proud that our access to information system has continued to operate throughout, to the credit of hard-working officials across the province, and to the benefit of the people of the province seeking transparency from their government.”

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.

OIPC is a statutory Office of the House of Assembly. OIPC has a broad range of responsibilities and powers under both ATIPPA, 2015 and PHIA. Oversight of these Acts includes investigating and attempting to resolve complaints about access to information and protection of privacy involving public bodies under ATIPPA, 2015 and custodians of personal health information under PHIA. The Commissioner may also make recommendations in order to uphold the Acts and support better compliance.

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