Major Changes to Access to Information and Privacy Acts
Royal Assent Granted for Bill C-58
Significant Amendments Enhance Government Transparency
On June 21, 2019, Bill C-58 received royal assent, marking a major milestone in improving the openness and transparency of the Canadian government. These amendments represent the most substantial changes to the Access to Information Act since its enactment in 1983.
The Privacy Act is a key piece of Canada's legislative framework protecting personal information held by the federal government. It safeguards the privacy interests of Canadians and regulates how the government collects, uses, and discloses personal data.
The Access to Information Act, meanwhile, grants Canadian citizens and residents the right to access government records, regardless of their format. This act promotes transparency and accountability by enabling individuals to scrutinize the actions and decisions of the government.
The amendments introduced by Bill C-58 aim to enhance both the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, making them more responsive to the evolving landscape of digital privacy and information access. The changes include:
- Streamlining access to government information by reducing administrative barriers
- Expanding the scope of disclosable information, including records previously deemed exempt
- Strengthening protections for personal information, particularly in the context of online activities
- Introducing new measures to ensure proactive disclosure of government information
These improvements will significantly increase the transparency and accountability of the Canadian government, fostering public trust and enabling citizens to better participate in the democratic process.
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