Proposed amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) will require more automatic disclosure of more government records.
Changes will include mandatory breach notification where there is a real risk of significant harm to an individual.
“The government understands the damage a privacy breach may cause an individual. Mandatory breach notification will increase accountably and assist in lessening any harm to an individual,” said Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson. “The protection of personal information is paramount and these amendments to PHIA legislation will ensure that protection continues.”
Crown corporations will be required to make public out-of-province expenses of board members and chief executive officers.
Government departments would be required to disclose materials like mandate letters, expenses and other information. The province says they are committed to making more information available on the Open Information and Open Data websites.
FIPPA requests will be given an additional 15 days to be processed and also have more reasons to deny a request.
“We have always maintained a spirit of openness and transparency, with the goal of providing timely access to information, while ensuring personal information is protected,” said Legislative and Public Affairs Minister Kelvin Goertzen. “Following a detailed review of our legislation, we have proposed changes that will balance the needs of external stakeholders and the public, with the ability of public bodies’ and trustees to administer the acts.”
© News4.ca 2021
