Sep 26, 2011

For the sixth year, the Manitoba Ombudsman's office has joined with other information and privacy commissioner offices from across the country to celebrate Right to Know Day on September 28  and  Right to Know Week from September 26 to September 30, 2011. Right to Know is celebrated in many countries around the world. It acknowledges an individual's democratic right of access to government-held information and promotes the benefits of open, accessible, and transparent government.

During Right to Know Week 2011:

The website of Manitoba Ombudsman's Access and Privacy Division has been updated to include:

• Investigation reports where recommendations were made to a public body and the public body's response to the recommendations
• More information about making access and privacy complaints under The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA), including a new complaint form to assist the public in making PHIA complaints

Ombudsman Irene Hamilton is pleased to recognize those governments that have proclaimed Right to Know Week, publicly demonstrating their commitment to upholding an individual's right of access to government-held information:

• The Government of Manitoba
• The City of Brandon
• The City of Portage la Prairie
• The City of Flin Flon
• The City of Dauphin
• The City of Selkirk
• The City of Thompson
• The City of Winkler

The Ombudsman attended the office of Brandon Mayor Shari Decter Hirst on September 23 to witness the signing of the City of Brandon's Right to Know Week proclamation.