The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Steve Crocker, Minister of Justice and Public Safety:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that the statutory review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 is underway and there’s now opportunity for public input.

As a government, we are committed to openness and transparency. We are fortunate to have someone with the stature and experience of retired Chief Justice David B. Orsborn to conduct the review which will examine the operation of the Act and, as appropriate, make recommendations to ensure the Act is working as intended.

Mr. Orsborn is requesting written submissions no later than November 27. Written submissions can be made by email, fax, hand delivery or regular mail. Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage residents and stakeholders to get involved in the review by making a written submission or applying to make a presentation either in person or virtually at public hearings. All comments and submissions received will be made available online and all hearings will be public. Further details of the statutory review and more specific information about how people can participate is available at www.nlatippareview.ca.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank former Chief Justice Orsborn for taking on this important task and I look forward to the review and his final report, expected to be delivered before the end of March, 2021.

Thank you.