Information commissioner reveals details on review of Access to Information Act

VANCOUVER – The country’s information commissioner is providing more details about her review of a federal law that allows citizens to access government documents.

The Access to Information Act has had a few minor amendments over the years, but has never been overhauled since it was given royal assent on July 7, 1982.

Suzanne Legault says the review will begin next week, will run mainly through her office’s website and end on Dec. 21, before a report to Parliament is presented next year.

Legault says the review is necessary because the Access to Information Act is almost 30 years old and does not include a mandatory provision for review.

To keep pace with technological and international developments and to remain relevant, Legault says the act must evolve.

She says she will present a report to Parliament in the fall of 2013, coinciding with the act’s 30th anniversary.