Openness: theory and practice

Theory:

The ATIPPA is not meant to replace existing means of obtaining information. Before you make a request using the legislation, you may wish to try other, informal means to obtain the records you are seeking. Contact the public body (Access and Privacy Coordinators) which you believe has the records. Often, you can get the information you want in this informal way, without using the legislation. This route will often be faster for you and less expensive for public bodies to administer. — Dannystan Department of Openness and Accountability.

Practice:

On Monday, Transcontinental Media asked the province to release the names and inspection reports for restaurants that recently failed health inspections.

The risky restaurants were highlighted last week — minus the names and details — by the auditor general in his latest report.

The Telegram, a Transcontinental paper in St. John’s, request was denied.

“I’ve spoken with our (Access to Information and Privacy Protection) co-ordinator and he has advised that you need to file an (access to information) request,” said a spokeswoman with the department of Government Services. — Peter Walsh, Corner Brook Western Star.