Information Access and Privacy (IAP)

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP) requires the disclosure of records under the control of all government agencies, while protecting the privacy of individuals (personal information) and organizations (confidential information). The necessary exemptions to disclosure are limited and specific.

The Act is administered for the Department by the Information Access and Privacy Officer. For any questions about the Act or its administration, contact Barry Cahill at 424-5138 or cahilljb@gov.ns.ca.

Legislation

• Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPOP)
  Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Regulations
• Personal Information International Disclosure Protection Act (PIIDPA) Personal Information International Disclosure Protection Regulations
• Privacy Review Officer Act

Privacy Policy

The department's Privacy Policy requires all employees to adhere strictly to the provisions of the FOIPOP Act governing the collection, security, retention, use and disclosure of personal and confidential information. It includes the privacy complaint procedure, privacy breach protocol and privacy impact assessment template and guidelines. A privacy impact assessment is essential for any existing, new or modified or enhanced program which involves the collection, use, storage, communication or disclosure of personal information. It is an exercise in both due diligence and compliance with corporate policy.

 

 

 

 

Routine Access Policy

The department's Routine Access Policy provides an opportunity to obtain access to certain series of records to which FOIPOP applies without a formal application under the Act. These records series are described in the schedule to the policy. The Routine Access Policy is administered by the Information Access and Privacy Officer.

 

FOIPOP Review Officer / Privacy Review Officer

At the request of applicants or notified third parties, the Review Officer conducts an independent review of decisions made by public bodies on applications under the Act. The Review Officer may mediate disputes or make recommendations that the decision of the public body be upheld, reversed or amended. The Review Officer may also investigate privacy complaints against public bodies.