FRANCAIS

April 14, 2004

Manitobans are invited to present their views as part of the review process for the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and the Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) at public hearings scheduled in Brandon, Thompson and Winnipeg.

Earlier this year, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Eric Robinson and Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau released discussion papers on the existing laws. The discussion documents are available online at http://www.gov.mb.ca/index.html. The ministers are now encouraging the public to voice their comments, ideas and concerns on the FIPPA and PHIA legislation.

“The government is accountable to the people it serves,” said Robinson. “Vast quantities of information are collected and compiled from a variety of sources to help government and local public bodies provide services. We are seeking the opinions of Manitobans on the best ways to manage both access and privacy requirements for the benefit of all.”

“Sharing health information between medical and health care professionals can be vital to the well-being of a patient,” said Rondeau. “However the patient must have control over who accesses this very personal information. PHIA legislation provides this protection and we are seeking input from Manitobans to ensure this act continues to meet their needs.”

The public hearings, co-chaired by Rondeau and Fort Garry MLA Kerri Irvin-Ross for Manitoba Culture Heritage and Tourism, are scheduled in April and May as listed below.

People who wish to make a presentation on PHIA are requested to pre-register by calling 786-7108 (Winnipeg), 1-866-366-9443 (Manitoba) or by e-mailing:

phiareview@gov.mb.ca.

Anyone wishing to make a presentation on FIPPA is requested to pre-register by calling 945-2523 (Winnipeg), 1-800- 617-3588 (Manitoba) or by e-mailing:

govrecs@gov.mb.ca.

The ministers noted that, along with the identified issues, all ideas and comments related to both pieces of legislation are welcome as well as other privacy of information concerns. Those who wish to present their views should register with either of the contacts given above.

For all presentations, a copy of the text is also requested for the co-chairs on the day of the hearing.

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