November 26, 2014
Manitoba Government Introduces Proposed Legislation that would Guide Management of Records Collected by Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Manitoba government has introduced legislation that would ensure the records to be transferred from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) to the National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba would be subject to freedom of information and protection of privacy legislation, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Sport and Consumer Protection Minister Ron Lemieux announced today.
“Manitoba is honoured to provide the legislative framework the centre needs to take on the task of holding onto these important documents and personal stories,” Minister Lemieux said. “It’s important this information be made available for researchers, survivors and others to learn about residential schools while still respecting the privacy and dignity of those who shared their painful memories.”
The proposed legislation was developed in close consultation with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the National Research Centre at the University of Manitoba. It would set out a balanced privacy and access framework to guide the centre’s efforts in managing the records collected by the TRC and would ensure compliance with the terms of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
“We are very pleased to have worked collaboratively with the Government of Manitoba and the University of Manitoba to develop the proposed legislation,” said Justice Murray Sinclair, chair, Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. “By providing for appropriate access to information about the legacy of residential schools, the proposed legislation will support Canadians as they work towards reconciliation. It also ensures the privacy of survivors and other individuals will be protected.”
The TRC collected records under federal privacy legislation and the new proposed legislation would provide similar protection, Minister Lemieux said. The records to be held at the University of Manitoba would be subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) along with the proposed provisions of the legislation, he added.
“Having this legislation introduced is a significant step forward in our work,” said Ry Moran, director, National Research Centre. “Ensuring we have respectful tools to provide protection and access to these most sensitive records is a critical component in fulfilling our commitment to survivors, their families, communities and the country. With the support of this legislation, we are well positioned to continue the work of truth and reconciliation across Canada.”
The TRC was established to bring about truth, healing and reconciliation. The commission’s mandate includes the collection of statements and documents of former students, their families and communities, as well as other interested parties. The work of the TRC is expected to be completed in the summer of 2015 and at that time the NRC will take over the care and management of the records.
- 30 -