Thank you, Mr. Chair. I am here today to discuss Bill 29, An Act to Amend the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. I would like to thank the Standing Committee on Government Operations for their review of this bill and for the productive feedback that they have provided. A number of motions were made in committee, and I believe the bill has improved as a result of the work with standing committee.
Bill 29 amends the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act to improve public accountability, the protection of personal privacy, access to government information, and to ensure greater transparency and openness. The amendments include lowering fees and shortening timeframes for processing requests and arise from recommendations received during the comprehensive review of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act that was completed in 2017.
The amendments are a result of extensive consultation with public bodies, the Information and Privacy Commissioner, and the public. All feedback received during the course of these consultations, including the Information and Privacy Commissioner's submissions and recommendations previously identified by the Standing Committee on Government Operations, were carefully considered.
Specifically, the proposed amendments to the act include changes to:
- update and clarify provisions relating to purpose of the legislation;
- improve public access to information by responding to advances in technology and shortening timeframes for processing requests;
- provide greater clarity on existing exceptions and narrowing the focus of specific exceptions;
- acknowledge the operation of common or integrated services or programs across public bodies, and to provide greater clarity on disclosures supported by the act; and
- provide for greater oversight of activities carried out under the act, including new powers for the Information and Privacy Commissioner.
The bill will also make a number of non-substantive miscellaneous amendments to improve the clarity and readability of specific provisions of the act. I would be pleased to answer any questions that the Members may have regarding Bill 29. Thank you, Mr. Chair.