Mr. Speaker, the Standing Committee on Government Operations has reviewed the 2011-2012 Report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of the Northwest Territories. Members would like to thank Ms. Elaine Keenan-Bengts for her report and for her appearance before the committee at the public review on April 15, 2013.

Commissioner’s 2011-12 Activities

The Information and Privacy Commissioner is an independent officer of the Legislative Assembly. Her primary role is to review and make recommendations on public bodies and decisions related to the Northwest Territories Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, or the ATIPP Act. The ATIPP Act requires that public bodies demonstrate their accountability by making information accessible to the public, while at the same time protecting the privacy of individuals.

In 2011-12 the Commissioner opened 27 files, up 35 percent from the previous year. She completed 10 review recommendations, up three from 2010-2011. Six review recommendations were accepted, mainly or completely, by the public body concerned. Four recommendations were rejected in whole or in part. The Department of Justice, the Beaufort-Delta Health and Social Services Authority and the Yellowknife Health and Social Services Authority all had three or more matters requiring the Commissioner’s consideration during the year.

Recommendations for Legislative Change

The Information and Privacy Commissioner is also authorized to make recommendations for legislative change. This year the Commissioner highlighted three legislative issues, all of which were raised in her past reports and forwarded to this House for the standing committee: new health policy and privacy legislation, access and privacy legislation for municipalities and the need for a general review of the ATIPP Act. The committee concurs that these matters have become even more pressing with the passage of time.

I will now turn the floor over to deputy chair Ms. Bisaro.