GOVERNANCE

Commitment 5.3.1 – We will improve access to information and the protection of privacy by:
Developing and proposing amendments to the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPP Act).

The ATIPP Act reflects the Government’s commitment to providing open, accessible and accountable government to the people of the NWT. In 2012, the Department of Justice committed to undertake a comprehensive review of the ATIPP Act to address issues brought forward by the Standing Committee on Government Operations, the Information and Privacy Commissioner and public bodies subject to the Act.

In April 2016, the Department initiated a public engagement on the ATIPP Act. The “Public Engagement on the Comprehensive Review of the ATIPP Act” paper asked for the public’s input on specific issues raised in relation to the Act. The paper also provided an opportunity for the public to raise any other issues or considerations in making the Act more effective. The results of this engagement formed the basis of a proposal for legislative changes to the Act.

The Department of Justice is working to amend the ATIPP Act during the life of the 18th Legislative Assembly. Steps to amend the Act include undertaking public engagement on proposed changes to the Act (Milestone 1), releasing a report on the results of the public engagement (Milestone 2), developing a legislative proposal (Milestone 3), and introducing a Bill to amend the ATIPP Act (Milestone 4).

Related Mandate Commitments:

• Commitment 5.3.1 - We will improve access to information and the protection of privacy by: Creating a GNWT privacy framework and management programs, so that the privacy protections in the ATIPP Act are administered consistently and fairly.

• Commitment 5.3.1 - We will improve access to information and the protection of privacy by: Ensuring online training is available on access to information and protection of privacy requirements for GNWT employees as well as employees of territorial public bodies.