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Access to Information and Protection of Privacy

Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office oversees the implementation and coordination of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This legislative regime is designed to create a culture of openness and accountability in the public sector.

It applies to all public bodies (defined in the Act), including government departments, agencies, health boards, school boards and municipalities. This Act does not apply to the private sector.

A key purpose of ATIPP is to protect the privacy of individuals whose personal information is held by public bodies. The protection of privacy provisions (Part IV) were proclaimed on January 16, 2008. This very important part of the ATIPPA will govern how public bodies collect, use and disclose personal information.

The key functions of the ATIPP Office include:

• providing education and training to public bodies
• developing policy and procedures
• developing and maintaining a Policy and Procedures Manual
• providing leadership and advice in interpretation and administration of the ATIPPA
• liaising with Access and Privacy Coordinators in each public body
• fostering common standards
• ensuring that appropriate processes are implemented and maintained in each public body
• monitoring public bodies’ administration of ATIPP by collecting and maintaining statistics on the number of requests received, the observance of time limits, fees collected, application of exceptions to access, etc.

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