Access to Information Act (ATIA)
The Government of ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ is separating the current FOIP Act into two acts: the (the “POPA”) and the (the “ATIA”).
Key changes in the Access to Information Act (ATIA)
The ATIA aims to modernize the rules regarding access to information requests by specifically recognizing electronic records. Key changes include:
- Calculates timelines for response in business days (30 business days) as opposed to calendar days.
- Further clarifies what records can be withheld from disclosure, including:
- workplace investigation materials if the disclosure could interfere with, prejudice, or harm a workplace investigation, or cause harm to a witness or third party of the investigation.
- Enables public bodies to identify information that is publicly available outside the formal access to information process (routine disclosure)
- Mandates a special committee of the Legislative Assembly to perform a comprehensive review of the ATIA every six years to provide recommendations for proposed amendments and regulations.