‘This government has been severely lacking in transparency’

MLS Chris D’Entremont introduces bills dealing with freedom of information and people’s personal information

Argyle-Barrington MLA and PC House Leader Chris d’Entremont has introduced bills in the provincial legislature that would make the Freedom of Information Commissioner an officer of the Legislature and would require the government to notify people when their personal information has been compromised.

Bill No. 19 is entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1993. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Respecting An Independent Review Commissioner, would make the Freedom of Information Commissioner an officer of the Legislature and give her the authority to compel the government to follow her recommendations. Without the authority to compel the production of documents, the government can ignore the recommendations of the FOIPOP commissioner.

“Our FOIPOP commissioner needs to be able to do her job - not be blocked when the government doesn’t want to provide Nova Scotians with information they are entitled to,” said d’Entremont in a press release. “If this government has nothing to hide, they can start by supporting us in these bills.”

Bill No. 21 - Entitled an Act to Amend Chapter 5 of the Acts of 1993. The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Respecting Compromised Personal Information, would require the government to notify people when their personal information has been compromised.

“Nova Scotians should be able to trust their government to protect their private information,” said d’Entremont. “This government has been severely lacking in transparency for too long and we intend to put a stop to it.”

Copies of both bills can be found on the Nova Scotia Legislature website.