Bill 628: The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Amendment Act

This bill primarily affects public bodies and government institutions in Saskatchewan rather than private businesses directly. However, businesses that deal with government contracts, regulatory filings, environmental matters, or public health and safety records could find their confidential third-party information disclosed if a government head determines it is in the public interest — the bill requires heads to notify affected third parties before disclosure where practicable. Companies operating in industries like resource extraction, construction, food production, or healthcare that submit records to provincial government bodies should be aware that those records may be more readily released. The new fee-waiver provisions also make it easier for members of the public or advocacy groups to request records relating to business activities that touch on environmental or public safety issues.