XIII. TOWARDS THE FUTURE


Introduction

Section 80 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act requires that a special committee of the Legislative Assembly begin a comprehensive review of the Act by October 4, 1997, and submit to the Legislative Assembly, within one year after beginning the review, a report that includes any amendments recommended by the committee.

The special committee was created by a motion of the House on July 29, 1997. At the time of writing, it had held eleven meetings, eight of which were public meetings for the purpose of receiving oral and written submissions from various interested individuals and groups. The Committee had received 80 written submissions and approximately 50 oral submissions, a number of which overlap.

The Commissioner's Office made two submissions to the committee, the first on December 3, 1997 and the second on February 24, 1998. The Office's first submission explained the role and mandate of the Commissioner's Office. The second submission identified twelve key recommendations for improvements to the Act.