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“Democracy cannot flourish without open and accessible government, and Islanders expect their provincial government to operate in a manner that is both transparent and accountable,” said Attorney General Greenan. “Through the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, Islanders are provided with the right to access provincial government records. I sincerely hope the declaration of Right to Know Week will help raise public awareness of this important legislation.”

Minister Greenan thanked Judy Haldemann, Acting Information and Privacy Commissioner, and the local Right to Know steering committee for organizing local activities in recognition of Right to Know Week.

“This year we are sponsoring an essay competition among Public Service employees to raise awareness of the importance of our freedom of information legislation within the civil service. We will also be featuring quizzes on our website,” said Commissioner Haldemann. “We have a brand new logo this year that will be used throughout Canada, and we have printed t-shirts with the logo to use as prizes.”

International Right to Know Day is recognized worldwide as an opportunity to raise awareness about the right of individuals to access information held by public bodies. As of 2009, over 80 countries have legislation promoting access to information, and more countries are in the process of developing such laws.

The Prince Edward Island Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act was proclaimed on November 1, 2002 to make government more open and accountable, and to ensure that Islanders’ personal information held by government is protected. In the past year, from September 2008 to September 2009, provincial government departments have received 72 requests for information. The Act covers the records of provincial government departments, agencies, boards, commissions and crown corporations. School Boards were added under the Act in November, 2003.

Weblinks:

Right to Know Canada - www.righttoknow.ca

PEI FOIPP page - www.gov.pe.ca/foipp

PEI Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner - www.oipc.pe.ca

PROCLAMATION

RIGHT TO KNOW WEEK 2009

WHEREAS September 28th is celebrated world-wide as International Right to Know Day;

WHEREAS Right to Know celebrations mark the right of individuals to access information held by public bodies and highlights the benefits of transparent, accessible government;

WHEREAS active participants in Right to Know Week include citizen groups dedicated to democratic principles, students, media, academics, policy makers and governments;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that I, Gerard Greenan, Attorney General, proclaim September 28 - October 2, 2009 as Right to Know Week in Prince Edward Island.

Signed:

Honourable Gerard Greenan, Attorney General, Prince Edward Island