Yukon Ombudsman Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner Yukon Public Interest Disclosure Commissioner

Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner

Op Ed: Information and Privacy Commissioner outlines changes of note in new Yukon access to information and privacy legislation

Tue, Sep 28, 2021

Note: This op-ed was written by Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner Diane McLeod-McKay and submitted to Yukon newspapers for use this week. It is to be published in the Yukon News and Whitehorse Star newspapers on Friday, October 1, 2021 and in l'aurore boreale newspaper on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

Right to Know Week takes place September 27th to October 3rd this year and is a perfect time to talk about the new Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (ATIPPA) that went into effect in the Yukon on April 1, 2021.

The new ATIPPA contains many modern features that facilitate innovation by public bodies covered by the Act, by authorizing the use of emerging technologies to deliver services. It also increased the obligations of public bodies in many areas, including security of personal information. As well, it provides my office with additional powers of oversight, including the power to initiate an investigation on my own motion. 

ATIPPA governs the protection of personal information and access to information that is held by the Yukon’s public bodies.

There are several new provisions in ATIPPA that Yukoners should be aware of to understand their access to information rights.

One of my new duties under ATIPPA is to inform the public about the Act, which is one of my goals in writing this op-ed. I encourage Yukoners to contact my office with any questions about their rights under ATIPPA, the obligations of public bodies, and the role of my office. 

 

Diane McLeod-McKay

Yukon Information and Privacy Commissioner