The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) joins with other information and privacy commissioners from across Canada in observing Right to Know (RTK) Week from September 28 to October 4. 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.

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.

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. Recently, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced a statutory review of ATIPPA, 2015, to be overseen by former Chief Justice David B. Orsborn.

Members of the public also have a right of access to their own personal health information via the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA).

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has impacted access to information in this province, just as it has almost every other aspect of life. The operations of many public bodies, including their ability to respond to access requests, were disrupted with offices shut down and many staff working remotely. However, many public bodies nonetheless continued to process access to information requests from the public and respond to investigations by this Office to the best of their ability. Today, approximately 6 months after the declaration of a public health emergency, the view of this Office is that Newfoundland and Labrador’s access to information regime has largely returned to normal. This is a testament to the hard work and professionalism of access to information and protection of privacy coordinators throughout the province in ensuring that the right of access to information is preserved.

Learn more
Follow us on Twitter: @OIPCNL and be sure to visit our RTK Week 2020 website.

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