June 22, 2005

QUEEN’S PARK – The Ontario government today reinforced its commitment to provide the highest degree of transparency while ensuring personal privacy in response to the release of the annual report of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC).

“We have worked hard to improve how Ontarians can access information through their government,” said Chair of Management Board of Cabinet Gerry Phillips.

“I thank the commissioner for her report and ongoing advice throughout the year. It will help guide us as we continue to implement practical approaches to support both access to information and privacy,” said Phillips.

“The government will be examining all of her recommendations including extending the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Acts to other organizations.”

In 2004, 80 per cent of ministries improved their 30-day Freedom of Information (FOI) compliance rates over the previous year despite an overall 20 per cent increase in the number of processed requests.

Overall compliance rates were impacted due to the fact FOI requests to the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) almost doubled from the previous year. The MOHLTC has taken steps to improve its FOI process.

“It is our goal to take steps to improve the compliance rates while we manage increasing numbers of requests from year to year,” said Phillips.

The government has taken several major steps to improve transparency and openness.

• Legislation has been tabled which, if passed, would result in universities being covered under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• Hydro One Inc. and Ontario Power Generation Inc. have been brought back under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Local public utilities have also been brought back under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• The Audit Statute Law Amendment Act, 2004 broadened the powers of the Auditor General of Ontario to review public sector organizations.
• The Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 established privacy protection for personal health information and gives individuals access to their personal health information.
• The Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Act, 2004 provides for unprecedented transparency and accountability of the province’s books prior to an election call.

Contact: Ciaran Ganley Minister’s Office (416) 212-3547

Jason Wesley MBS Communications (416) 327-2805