Draft Comments on Bill 12: The Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act

Non Sexist Language

We note that the explanatory note states, "the right of the individual to have his or her personal information ..." (emphasis added). The use of this non-sexist language is very welcome.

Coverage

The definition of "government organization" in section 1 implicitly excludes municipalities. Municipalities should definitely be covered by the Act.

Extending the Time Limit for Responding

Section 11 allows the head of a government organization to extend the time limit for responding to a request in certain enumerated situations. The problem is that the section does not specify that the extension may not exceed whatever period of time is necessary for the stated purposes...