(SK) Improvements to Access and Privacy Legislation

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(SK) Improvements to Access and Privacy Legislation

[ http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/n ... egislation ]

Released on June 13, 2016

The Government of Saskatchewan is taking steps to improve access to information and protection of privacy in the province. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2016 (FOIPP) and The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act, 2016 (LAFOIPP) are being introduced in response to recommendations made by Information and Privacy Commissioner Ron Kruzeniski.

“Justice officials consulted with the Information and Privacy Commissioner to identify these priority changes and we welcome his leadership and expertise,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said. “This is a significant step forward in modernizing these Acts.”

Some of the amendments include:

•a duty for government institutions and local authorities to assist applicants in obtaining information and a duty to protect personal information;

•extension of the privacy requirements under FOIPP to include MLA and Cabinet Ministers’ Offices;

•extension of LAFOIPP to include police services;

•increasing the penalties for offences; and

•creation of a new offence for snooping.

The government will work closely with police services and other stakeholders to implement the changes and develop necessary regulations before the Acts come into force in 2017. -30-

For more information, contact:

Noel Busse
Justice
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8959
Email: noel.busse@gov.sk.ca