NEW ARCHIVES LEGISLATION INTRODUCED

New archive legislation will improve management of government information and ensure that public and private records of provincial significance are preserved.

"This is the first major change to Saskatchewan's archives legislation since 1945. Updating and modernizing the act will ensure that key records in all forms created and maintained by government are properly managed and preserved," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "It's important to preserve Saskatchewan's documentary heritage for future generations, and this legislation will do that."

Better management of government information at all levels will result in greater accountability, efficiency and lower administrative costs over the long-term.

The old act did not reflect the evolution of government, the new forms of records being created or changes that have taken place in the field of information and records management since the mid-1940's. The new legislation also brings the act more in line with recent freedom of information (FOI) and privacy legislation, which will improve the government's ability to respond to FOI requests and protect personal information.

The new act was developed in consultation with the consulting team of Michael Swift and Associates, the National Archives of Canada and other provincial archives, and provincial stakeholders and users.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Trevor Powell Saskatchewan Archives Regina Phone: (306) 787-4066