FOIP revamped

Times Contributor

 

Anyone who has wrangled with the intricacies of the Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) Act will be glad to hear that the government is going to update the Act to address previous problems and adapt it to a digital world.

“The expectation for electronic and immediate access to information is increasing, as is awareness of the need for Albertans to ensure their personal information is protected. Rapidly evolving technologies also pose a new set of questions and parameters,” said Associate Minister Don Scott.

To that end, Scott and a team of FOIP staff toured Alberta last week, holding open meetings to hear what Albertans have to say about their experiences with FOIP.

An overview of the existing Act was presented by Joanne Gardiner, Manager of FOIP Services, Policy and Governance and then the floor was opened for discussion regarding confusion over the interpretations, administrative complexities, and suggestions for improvements to the Act. They asked for suggestions on what kind of information should be in the Act, and how to deal with the digital aspects of information gathering and how information should be delivered and protected through personal devices.

Those who attended the Calgary public meeting, held at the Airport Holiday Inn on June 20, also brought in issues involving the Personal Information and Privacy Act (PIPA) and the Health Information Act (HIA). Some felt the many of the Acts were misused to hide information, rather than leading to open transparency in government, private and health institutions. Educational staff discussed their struggles with delivery of information. They wanted clearer guidelines. They said duplication of requests for the same information increased the man hours and placed a burden on resources. It was suggested that the Act should include a mechanism to preview information and cut down on paper copies delivered. 

Whether charges should apply to requests for information was discussed. Another person questioned the amount of data that was gathered, with individuals having no knowledge of how it was used. It was suggested that sometimes data presented a bias against individuals, when applying for different services in the government, because the data is allowed to be shared. The subject of increasing government control through digital monitoring was also brought up. Personal information was required before services are rendered, making it almost a type of personal currency. Privacy was discussed and some wanted concrete definitions and commented that private databases were being shared by businesses with no input from the public.

Scott said they would like to find ways to make the Act clear and user friendly. They identified that many people misunderstand or misuse the Act. They wanted to make government information transparent and processes for accessing that information less complex. They also want to protect personal information, which some people felt was exchanged and used at the discretion of the government for their purposes, but not accessible to the individuals themselves.

“In order for this process to be meaningful, we need a lot of feedback from people,” said Scott.

They are taking comments until July 31, at which time the information will be compiled and Scott will take the results to discuss with other officials across Canada. He said the process will not be speedy, but hoped that changes will occur within the next two years.

To obtain a questionnaire, go to www.alberta.ca/FOIPReview, or write suggestions and send to FOIP ACT Review, Service Alberta, Policy and Governance, Third Floor, Commerce Place, 10155 -102 Street Edmonton, AB T5J4L4 or email to: foiphelpdesk@gov.ab.ca Help desk: 780-427-7326

For more information on FOIP, see: www.servicealberta.ca/foip . Feedback from the various meetings will be posted on the Service Alberta website.