Province Cuts Freedom of Information Application Fee

The province is making it easier and more affordable for Nova Scotians to access information about the government.

The application fee under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act is being reduced from $25.00 to $5.00 effective today, Aug. 14.

"The government is committed to being open and accountable to Nova Scotians," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry. "Access to information needs to be affordable. This decrease will assist those people who may have found the fee too costly in the past.”

The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, implemented in 1994, provides Nova Scotians with access to most records under the control of the provincial government and protects the privacy of individuals who do not want their personal information made public. The act is designed to strike a balance between the public's right to know and the individual's right to privacy.

Last year, government received more than 950 applications for information on departments, agencies boards and commssions.