On December 12, 2000, the Minister of Justice announced the creation of the Freedom of Information Review Committee. In line with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s commitment towards a more open, transparent and accountable government, this Committee was tasked with reviewing the existing Freedom of Information Act, and making recommendations to modernize the legislation and to create consistency with other Canadian jurisdictions.

In July, 2001, after an extensive review and consultation process, the Committee submitted a report (640 KB) to the Minister of Justice recommending that the existing Freedom of Information Act be repealed and a new legislative regime enacted. In addition, it was recommended that the protection of personal information and individual privacy be incorporated into the new legislative regime.

In response to this recommendation, Bill 49, implementing the Committee’s report, was presented to the House of Assembly during the fall of 2001 and received Royal Assent on March 14, 2002. The act may be cited as the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) .

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