News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government introduced amendments today that would modernize the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The changes would allow for the sharing of information among public bodies, improve the process for people seeking information from public bodies, and strengthen the protection of private information.

“Our government is committed to fostering a culture of openness and transparency while protecting the privacy of the individual,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson. “These amendments strike that balance and achieve just that.”

The legislation would provide people with access to information while strengthening the protection of private information through amendments such as:

• designating a person to receive questions and complaints about how a public body handles personal information;

• modernizing the current practices in place to manage information; and

• making those information practices available to the public.

“The new legislation would allow for the sharing of information among public bodies, which will help to improve the delivery of information, programs and services to New Brunswickers,” said Melanson. “This will be achieved while ensuring that citizens’ personal information continues to be properly safeguarded.”

The amendments are the result of a review carried out last year. During the consultation phase, the government met with more than 100 people and received 49 written submissions from individuals and groups concerning how personal information is managed and how government information is accessed. To ensure the legislation stays current, the act will be reviewed every four years.