The laws streamline the process of getting information from public bodies and strengthen personal data protection
The Access to Information Act and the Protection of Privacy Act have come into effect in Alberta as of June 11.
The former streamlines the process of getting information from the government and public bodies while the latter enhances the protection of personal information in Alberta. Both laws were passed last December.
Access to Information Act
This legislation improves regulatory functions, clarifies procedural steps, and establishes review completion timelines for the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, according to the Alberta government. The government is launching a proactive disclosure policy formalizing current practices; public bodies can initiate information release so Albertans need not file formal requests to gain access to information.
The regulations integrate provisions from the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Regulation with new provisions reflecting amendments introduced by the Act. The regulations clarify the roles and responsibilities within government and set out considerations for public bodies in assessing their duty to help Albertans obtain information. They also define the process of confirming cabinet records through attestation.
"We expect that the number of records available through Transparency Alberta will grow with the consistent application of the Proactive Disclosure Policy," said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, in a statement.
Protection of Privacy Act
The Act introduces strong penalties for privacy breaches in Canada and requires public bodies to develop programs and services in consideration of privacy protection.
Under the Protection of Privacy Regulation and the Protection of Privacy Ministerial Regulation, public bodies must implement a privacy management program that meets certain criteria by spring 2026. The amendments facilitate the responsible use and dissemination of personal information by such bodies.
Alberta.ca contains online training, information sheets, and templates for public bodies' reference. Items impacted by the Act will be outlined as well.
