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Recent News and Events
New archival legislation passed
7/7/2004
On June 17, Saskatchewan s new archival legislation was given Royal Assent and came into force. Passed as An Act Respecting the Archives of Saskatchewan and making consequential amendments to other Acts (may be cited as The Archives Act, 2004), the new legislation incorporates recommendations to:
- Update the legislative framework under which the Saskatchewan Archives has been operating without any major changes since the mid-forties;
- Bring about the desired conformity between The Archives Act and The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act;
- Assist in implementing the Privacy Framework across government; and
- Bring Saskatchewan s outdated legislation in line with that of other Canadian jurisdictions.
These recommendations formed part of the Saskatchewan Archives strategic plan which was based on the findings and recommendations of the archival consultants, Michael Swift & Associates. The strategic plan was put together by the board, management and staff of the Saskatchewan Archives with input from stakeholders and users.
More specifically, the new Act does the following:
- Confirms the mandate of the Saskatchewan Archives as the custodian of all public and private records having provincial significance;
- Sets out the general and specific powers of the Provincial Archivist;
- Establishes a process for the management and preservation of Cabinet, ministerial and Department of the Executive Council records;
- Strengthens and streamlines the process for reviewing and approving records retention and disposal schedules;
- Places greater responsibility and authority on heads of government institutions to mange records under their control.
The changes in legislation will strengthen and expand the role of the Saskatchewan Archives in managing government information. They will also result in greater accountability, efficiency and over time lower administrative costs. It will improve public access to information and better protect personal information created and maintained by government.
Those interested in seeing a copy of draft bill number 33 will be able to find it at the following location: http://www.legassembly.sk.ca/publications. Once the bill has been placed in statute form, it will be placed on this website.
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