Right to Know

Right to Know Week 2011

September 26 to September 30, 2011 is Right to Know Week in Saskatchewan.

This week recognizes the importance of the public’s right to access public documents through The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act. This kind of law promotes accountable government by requiring government to operate in a transparent fashion. Any citizen can request access to general information about government programs or expenditures. The citizen can also access their own personal information held by the provincial government, Crown corporations or by a local authority such as a municipality, regional health authority, school division, college or university.

City of Regina Right to Know Week 2011 Proclamation  - click here

City of Saskatoon Right to Know Week 2011 Proclamation - click here

Tuesday, September 27^th

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Room 30 (old Moot Court Room)

College of Law • Saskatoon

The Right to Know Committee and the Privacy and Access Law North Section of the Canadian Bar Association, together with the College of Law, present:

Open Government in Saskatchewan - What that might look like and how to achieve it

Presented by Gary Dickson, Q.C., Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner

There is a burgeoning movement to PUSH information held by government to the public instead of the current ‘access to information regime’ which requires citizens to PULL that information from government by means of formal access to information requests.  The current system can be slow, costly and inconvenient.  Citizen expectations are changing however.  The public is demanding access to information held by public bodies that is available without cost, in a timely way and in a format (electronic) that is most convenient to them.  How should Saskatchewan respond to these changing expectations?  What lessons are there for this province from open government initiatives in the U.K., Australia, U.S.A., Mexico and South Africa?

Learn answers to these questions and more by attending this speaker event!

For more information, please contact Shannon at SWhyley@mlt.com.

Thursday, September 29^th  

4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Rotunda, Institut français

Room 216, Language Institute Building  •  University of Regina,  Main Campus

Lecture and Reception: Open Government – UK Style

Presented by Graham Smith

Deputy Commissioner and Director of Freedom of Information, United Kingdom Information Commissioner

After an uncertain start, the FOI Act has become part of the landscape of the UK public service. The coalition government is now legislating for the routine publication of data in re-usable electronic formats, with plans to transform public services through greater transparency. The UK Information Commissioner expects to have a key role in promoting, delivering and enforcing the new regime, building on his strong FOI Act powers.

Following Deputy Commissioner Smith’s remarks, the Chief Justice E.M. Culliton Right to Know Award will be presented to a public sector organization that has demonstrated leadership in promoting the public’s right to know.  The award presentation will be followed by a wine and cheese reception.

Registration is strongly encouraged.  Please register online at www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca (select News and Events then Events Calendar and the appropriate calendar date).  There is no cost for this event but seating is limited.

Click here to download a print ready file.

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'Right to Know’ Day Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

 What is ‘Right to Know’ Day?

 

‘Right to Know’ Day celebrates, once a year, the right of individual access to information held by public bodies and marks the benefits of transparent, accessible government.

 

When is ‘Right to Know’ Day Celebrated?

 

‘Right to Know’ Day is celebrated every September 28th. It had its start on September 28, 2002, in Sofia, Bulgaria, at an international meeting of access advocates. They proposed that the date be dedicated to the promotion of access to information worldwide.

 

Where is ‘Right to Know’ Day Celebrated?

 

‘Right to Know’ Day is celebrated around the world. Over 60 countries have access to information legislation and more countries are in the process of developing such laws. Countries where ‘Right to Know’ Day has been commemorated include Argentina, Czech Republic, El Salvador, India, Jamaica, Latvia, Mexico, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Peru, Spain, Turkey and the USA.

 

This year in Canada, information and privacy ombudsman and commissioner offices are coordinating efforts to mark ‘Right to Know’ Week.  A web site detailing these activities is under construction and will be accessible before ‘Right to Know’ Week at www.righttoknow.ca. The site will also canvass current access to information issues being addressed and projects being undertaken in Canadian jurisdictions.

 

Who Celebrates ‘Right to Know’ Day?

 

Everyone has reason to celebrate ‘Right to Know’ Day. Active participants since 2002 have included citizen groups dedicated to democratic principles, students, media, academics, policy makers and governments.

 

Why Celebrate ‘Right to Know’ Day?

 

·         Access to information provides individuals with knowledge to address public issues, scrutinize government and become active participants in the democratic process.

·         Access to information has revealed and clarified the basis for government decisions, disclosed environmental and health dangers and shed light on error, mismanagement and illegal activities.

·         Access to information has required improved records management, prompted routine disclosure to information, promoted the duty to assist the public and resulted in better government service and efficiencies.

·         Access to information requires vigilance. Beyond simply having access to information legislation there must be a commitment to a culture and spirit of openness. This includes staff and public awareness of access to information principles and appropriate resources for implementation.

·         There have been many successes as a result of access to information and there are improvements to consider.

How to Celebrate ‘Right to Know’ Day?

·         Read or write an article on access to information.

·         Host or attend a public forum to hear speakers on the subject.

·         Participate in a poster contest.

·         Have an open house at a government office, library, hospital or other location where access to information is practiced every day.

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