VICTORIA - Legislation introduced today will strengthen B.C.'s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, said Olga Ilich, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services. Other changes included in Bill 25 amend the Labour Relations Code and the Workers Compensation Act.

"The changes continue government's tradition of enhancing the Freedom of Information Act's privacy and access provisions to ensure that it remains the strongest legislation of its kind in Canada," Ilich said.

The amendments to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act address recommendations of the Special Committee that reviewed the FOIPP Act, and include a number of other changes and amendments that clarify and update other sections. The Act is amended from time to time to ensure that it remains a workable and relevant document for the public, the Information and Privacy Commissioner and public bodies.

Specifically, the amendments:

* Enhance privacy protection by requiring employees and service providers to notify public bodies about unauthorized disclosures of personal information.
* Strengthen the Information and Privacy Commissioner's inquiry and review processes.
* Improve disclosure processes by allowing public bodies to routinely disclose predetermined personal information that they can currently disclose in response to access requests.
* Improve consistencies in the FOIPP Act by making the time period for public bodies responding to transferred access requests consistent with the time period for responding directly to access requests.
* Address the needs of school boards by allowing them to disclose personal information to museums and archives for archival or historical purposes.

The change to the Labour Relations Code introduces a new requirement for the Labour Relations Board to make decisions on complaints or applications within time periods to be prescribed by Regulation. This proposed amendment will provide better accountability and improved service to employers, unions and employees.

A proposed amendment to the Workers Compensation Act provides that workers' and employers' advisers will be appointed as employees of the Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services under the Public Service Act, rather than by Order in Council.