Attend the Annual “Hot Issues in Access to Information Conference”

An Interview with Conference Chair, Priscilla Platt

The Annual “Hot Issues in Access to Information Conference” will be held on April 28, 2010 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm in Ottawa, Ontario. The event will focus on the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the access to information aspects of the Privacy Act (PA).  It will offer ATIP and other access to information professionals the opportunity to hear about important topics from experts in the field. The conference is being presented by Heenan Blaikie (www.HeenanBlaikie.com) and sponsored by Privasoft (www.Privasoft.com).

I recently had the chance to sit down with Heenan Blaikie's Priscilla Platt, the Chair of the conference, to discuss the upcoming event:

How has the turnout for the Hot Issues in Access to Information Conference Series been in the past?

PP: “This is our 4th annual conference that provides in-depth information to assist ATIP Coordinators and others in the processing of access to information requests. The great thing about the conference this year is that it is the first time that our conference is dedicated to the right of access under the federal Access to Information Act and Privacy Act. Previously, we have focused on comparable access to information legislation in Ontario. The turnout at our conferences has always been very good since the access community knows that they will get the information they need at these conferences.”

Why should access to information professionals attend the “Hot Issues in Access to Information Conference Series“?

PP: “We are presenting a half day conference in Ottawa on April 28th--those attending will find the information presented to be very useful and interesting. For me, these conferences are jam-packed with information, but don’t require a huge time commitment—ideally suited to busy access professionals.  Written materials are also provided.”

What makes a "Hot Issue in Access to Information?"

PP: “It has to be something that illuminates the interpretation of the legislation and assists ATIP coordinators and access professionals to do their job efficiently. We highlight the impact of recent decisions that interpret the legislation--for example, we will be talking about the new decisions of the Federal Court dealing with delay, deemed refusal and the right to apply for a review when the Commissioner has given the institution more time to respond to a request for information. ”

Who are some of the speakers who will be speaking at the conference? What topics will they be covering?

PP: “I will be speaking together with Edith Cody-Rice,  Senior Counsel from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Ross Hodgins Senior  Advisor, Policy and Systemic Issues,  Office of the Information Commissioner. All of us have a wealth of experience in the access to information space. We will approach all the topics as a team, but Edith will concentrate on certain exclusions and the exemption for solicitor-client privilege while Ross will highlight the proactive disclosure and access impact assessment portions.”

Heenan Blaikie, the hosts of the event, provide an Electronic Guide to Ontario's access and privacy legislation. I understand that the Guide will soon be expanded to include access to information under the federal government's ATIA and PA. As one of the authors of the Guides, can you tell us more about the Electronic Guides and how they can help access to information professionals?

PP: “The Guides allow busy access to information professionals to find out how various provisions of the legislation have been interpreted--the powerful search engine allows for quick and efficient searches to get these professionals the information that they need. The searches of the text in the Guide explain the interpretation of the legislation and allow the user to click on the decisions they need to see. The user can be confident that they have the information they need to do their job. Also, since both the Ontario and the federal legislation are similar and have both been interpreted, users will be able to see interpretations in each jurisdiction and what the significant issues are. In addition, the Guides are both kept up-to-date to reflect the current case law. All this information will be most helpful for busy access professionals.”

What is Heenan Blaikie's relationship with Privasoft, the sponsor of the event?

PP: “We have been long-time admirers of the software that Privasoft has created to assist in the processing of requests. Our Electronic Guide provides a good compliment to the tools available to assist access to information professionals in efficiently managing their duties.”

Many thanks to Priscilla Platt for taking time out of her busy schedule to discuss the event with me. For those interested in learning more about the Hot Issues in Access to Information Conference Series, download the brochure HERE. The brochure includes the registration form for the event for those interested in attending.  For those with questions about the conference, how to get a free trial of the Electronic Guide or how to get on the mailing list for complimentary email blasts and notices about conferences, write to info@accessprivacy.ca.

About Heenan Blaikie - (www.HeenanBlaikie.com)

Since its inception in 1973, Heenan Blaikie has become one of the leading law firms in the country. With an outstanding track record in business law, labour and employment, litigation, taxation, entertainment law and intellectual property, Heenan Blaikie delivers comprehensive legal advice and innovative business solutions to clients across Canada and abroad from their offices in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia, and through strategic alliances that allow them to be a constant presence in Paris and Singapore.

About Privasoft - (www.Privasoft.com)
For nearly 20 years, Privasoft has been delivering software and services to automate case management in the public sector and regulated industries. Privasoft customers must comply with legislative, regulatory and internal requirements and are represented in health care, law enforcement and all levels of government. They rely on Privasoft to capture, analyze, track, process and report on case work related to information disclosure processes. Privasoft is a Microsoft Certified Partner with offices in Ottawa, ON, Arlington, VA and Brentford, Middlesex.