Input wanted on modernizing access to information
Government wants Islanders' views on how to strengthen access to information while also strengthening the protection of personal privacy.
Modernizing the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPP) Act is another step toward a more open, accountable government. Feedback will be accepted on updating the FOIPP Act (and on a related discussion paper) at www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/submit-input-modernize-freedom-information-and-protection-privacy-act until February 23, 2018.
“Rigorous, efficient, and timely access to information is an important pillar of accountability for government,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan, minister of Justice and Public Safety. “Much has changed since the introduction of the FOIPP Act over 15 years ago, including how information is collected and stored, how citizens communicate with government, and advances in open data.”
With the launch of the new government website princeedwardisland.ca in 2016, a variety of open data sets became available to the public. Government’s work on open data has continued, with more than 40 open data sets available online, from school enrolments to motor vehicle sales.
Government has also made public more provincial government information including:
- making ministerial mandate letters public;
- expanding the disclosure expenses of ministers;
- expanding disclosure policies to include senior staff; and
- introducing public interest disclosure and whistleblower legislation.
Government is now asking Islanders for input on modernizing the FOIPP Act.
“We’re looking for feedback on specific topics such as the scope of the legislation and if additional public bodies should be covered under this access to information legislation,” added Premier MacLauchlan. “At the end of this consultation process, government intends to table amendments to strengthen access to public information and strengthen the protection of personal privacy in our province.”
Media contact:
Katie MacDonald
katiemacdonald@gov.pe.ca