Independent Statutory Review Committee
Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act
Newfoundland and Labrador
Review Process Highlights
The Independent Statutory Review Committee is asked to conduct a comprehensive review of the provisions and operations of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, including examination of amendments made through Bill 29; and, to consider standards and leading practices in other jurisdictions.
April 2014
Committee Members hold first committee meeting and press conference on April 11, 2014.
Committee Members hold separate introductory meetings with officials of the Office of Public Engagement and officials with the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
Chief Administrative Officer contracted by Review Committee on April 11, 2014 to coordinate office set-up and oversee other organizational and operational requirements.
Review Committee publishes a Notice in all provincial papers and other media inviting the general public and stakeholder groups to express their interest to the Committee by May 12, 2014 to make a written or oral presentation.
May 2014
Legislative Consultant contracted by Review Committee on May 1, 2014 to assist with research and investigation of leading international and Canadian practices, legislation, academic literature and to identify opportunities and challenges experienced by other jurisdictions.
Press Release issued on May 5, 2014 to advise public that Review Committee office is open and reiterate the public notice message to the general public and stakeholder groups to indicate their desire to participate in the review process.
Review Committee website launched on May 9, 2014.
Committee Members review responses from general public and stakeholders to public notice.
June 2014
Review Committee writes to individuals and groups who have expressed an interest in participating in the ATIPPA Review Process.
Review Committee publishes a Notice in all community and provincial papers and other media between June 7 and 14, 2014 to provide an update on the ATIPPA Review Process, noting that some 30 individuals and groups as of May 12, 2014 have responded to the request for Expressions of Interest.
Committee Members meet in St. John's from June 10 to 13, 2014 and hold second press conference on June 13, 2014.
Public Notice and Press Release issued to announce start of public hearings. Schedule posted on Committee's website and distributed to presenters, and individuals and groups who have expressed an interest in participating in the ATIPPA Review Process.
Public Hearings held on June 24, 25 and 26 at the Ramada hotel in St. John’s. The Review Committee received presentations from:
- Ed Ring, Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC)
- Sean Murray, Director of Special Projects (OIPC)
- Vaughn Hammond, Canadian Federation of Independent Business
- Simon Lono, Private Citizen
- Ed Hollett, Private Citizen
- Kathryn Welbourn, Publisher, The Northeast Avalon Times
- Emir Andrews, Private Citizen
- James McLeod, Reporter, The Telegram
- Gerry Rogers, MHA, New Democratic Party
Written Submissions and Archived Webcast posted on the Committee’s website.
July 2014
As of July 2, over 50 individuals and groups have expressed an interest in the ATIPPA Review process.
Public Notice and Press Release issued to announce public hearings to be held in July and August.
Online Consultations started on July 11.
Questionnaires distributed province-wide to ATIPPA Coordinators.
Public Hearings held on July 22, 23 and 24 at the Ramada hotel in St. John’s. The Review Committee received presentations from:
- Dwight Ball, Leader of the Official Opposition
- Gavin Will, Municipal Councillor
- Michael Karanicolas, Centre for Law and Democracy
- Barry Tilley, Dicks & Co.
- Terry Burry, Private Citizen
Written Submissions and Archived Webcast posted on the Committee’s website.
August 2014
Total of 63 individuals and groups have expressed an interest in the ATIPPA Review Committee process.
Citizens and stakeholders asked to participate in the Online Consultations on the following ATIPPA topics:
- Access Information under ATIPPA
- Privacy Protection
- Role and Powers of the Commissioner
- Making ATIPPA User-friendly
- ATIPPA Fees
Public Hearings held on August 18, 19, 20 and 21 at the Ramada hotel in St. John’s. The Review Committee received presentations from:
- Suzanne Legault, Information Commissioner of Canada
- Peter Gullage and Sean Moreman, CBC/Radio-Canada
- Nicole O’Brien and Kate Wilson, Newfoundland and Labrador Veterinary Medical Association
- Hon. Sandy Collins, Minister Responsible for the Office of Public Engagement
- Rachelle Cochrane, Deputy Minister, Office of Public Engagement
- Victoria Woodworth-Lynas, Director, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office
- Alastair O’Rielly, Deputy Minister, Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
- Paul Noble, Deputy Minister and Deputy Attorney General, Department of Justice
- Genevieve Dooling, Deputy Minister, Department of Child, Youth and Family Services
- Ellen MacDonald, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer
- Rosemary Thorne, University Privacy Officer, Memorial University
- Morgan Cooper, Associate Vice-President (Academic) Faculty Affairs, Memorial University
- Shelley Smith, Chief Information Officer, Memorial University
- Lynn Hammond, Private Citizen
- Jim Keating, Vice-President (Nalcor Oil), Nalcor Energy
- Tracey Pennell, Legal Counsel & ATIPP Coordinator, Nalcor Energy
- Ken Kavanagh, Private Citizen
- Ed Ring, Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC)
- Sean Murray, Director of Special Projects (OIPC)
Written Submissions and Archived Webcast posted on the Committee’s website.
September 2014
Summary Report on Responses to ATIPPA Coordinator Questionnaire posted on the Committee’s website
October 2014
Transcripts of Public Hearings posted on the Committee’s website