The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) is pleased to join with information commissioners, advocates, and citizens across Canada and around the world in celebrating Right to Know Week 2026, taking place the week of September 28, 2026.
Right to Know Week provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of access to information and to celebrate the rights that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians enjoy under the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 (ATIPPA, 2015). At a time when access to information rights have been weakened in some Canadian jurisdictions, Newfoundland and Labrador’s access to information law continues to stand as one of the strongest in the country. Strong access legislation helps ensure government accountability, promotes informed public participation, and strengthens trust in our province’s public bodies.
Earlier this year, the statutory review of ATIPPA, 2015 was announced, providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with an opportunity to help shape the future of access to information in the province. The review is an important opportunity for individuals, organizations, journalists, researchers, public bodies, and community groups to share their perspectives on how the legislation can be preserved, improved, and strengthened for future generations.
“Access to information is a fundamental democratic right,” said Information and Privacy Commissioner Kerry Hatfield. “Newfoundland and Labrador has become a leader in access to information because citizens have consistently demanded transparency and accountability from our province’s public bodies. As ATIPPA, 2015 undergoes review, I encourage everyone to make their voices heard. Strong access laws do not remain strong by accident; they require ongoing engagement and a commitment to protecting the public’s right to know.”
Learn More
- Watch the Commissioner discuss Right to Know Week on Instagram.
- Your input matters. Visit the ATIPPA Review Website to learn how you can participate in the review of ATIPPA, 2015.
- Don’t miss OIPC’s Think Digital Privacy video series available on our YouTube channel.
- Follow OIPC on BlueSky, Instagram, and LinkedIn for information and resources.
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