Minister Releases Public Disclosure Policy

The province is taking steps to be more open and transparent about major incidents involving people in its custody.

Justice Minister Ross Landry today, March 30, released a disclosure policy that outlines what information will be publicly released after a significant event or incident within the justice system.

"This policy is another step in our efforts to be more transparent to the citizens of Nova Scotia, especially as it relates to public safety," said Mr. Landry. "We've looked at what other jurisdictions are doing and I can assure you that Nova Scotia will have one of the most open and transparent policies for disclosure of information."

The policy will include online information updates at www.gov.ns.ca/justice for major incidents involving people in custody.

Examples of major incidents include:

• a lockdown of a correctional facility
• an assault committed by a person in custody against another person resulting in serious injury that requires inpatient hospitalization
• escape from custody or wrongful release of a person from custody before a sentence expired or remand
• death in custody

For a complete list of major incidents and other information in the policy, visit www.gov.ns.ca/justice .

Information disclosure is subject to legislation, including the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIPOP) Act. Under certain circumstances, information that might identify a victim or offender will not be released under this policy. The policy does not affect disclosing information under the FOIPOP Act, and access to information requests will be processed under that legislation.

The disclosure policy will be reviewed after six months.